Empowering women through digital literacy: Bridging the gap

The power of technology in today’s digital age has grown into a transformative force, opening up pathways to economic independence, career growth, and social mobility.

For women, particularly those in developing countries like Nigeria, digital skills are essential for overcoming barriers in education, employment and entrepreneurship.

However, a significant digital divide still exists, with women disproportionately impacted by limited access to technology and digital literacy training.

As Melinda Gates notes, “When we invest in women and girls, we are investing in the people who invest in everyone else.”

Bridging the digital gap is not only a matter of opportunity but of equity, as digital literacy equips women to unlock new paths in technology-driven careers and entrepreneurial ventures.

Research shows that when women are empowered with digital skills, they contribute significantly to economic growth and community development. According to UN Women, “Increasing women’s access to technology has the potential to spur economic growth and promote social inclusion.”

Digital literacy also enhances women’s ability to engage in global markets, innovate and build careers on their own terms.

Investing in women’s digital empowerment creates a ripple effect, enabling them to not only improve their livelihoods but also to inspire and uplift others around them, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all.

The role of digital literacy in women’s economic empowerment

Digital skills have become indispensable for career advancement and entrepreneurship in nearly every industry. Women equipped with digital literacy skills can access better job opportunities, increase their income, and contribute more meaningfully to their communities.

Technology also offers flexibility, which is crucial for many women who balance work and family responsibilities.

According to Sheryl Sandberg, COO, Facebook, “When you put women in leadership, the world changes. Women are a fundamental part of every economy, and equipping them with the right skills drives positive transformation.”

For women in developing countries, digital literacy often translates into new forms of employment, such as freelancing and remote work, which are less limited by geographical boundaries.

By bridging the digital gap, women gain access to global markets and opportunities, fueling economic growth not only for themselves but also for their communities.

The importance of digital skills for women’s economic empowerment

In today’s increasingly digital world, proficiency in digital skills has become a critical factor for economic success and personal growth.

For women, especially those in developing countries, digital literacy is not just an added advantage; it is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, achieving financial independence, and gaining equal access to opportunities.

Understanding and leveraging digital skills enable women to pursue new careers, start businesses, contribute meaningfully to the economy and still have time to take care of their families.

For example, I am able to make millions of dollars from the comfort of my home, which gives me the opportunity to take care of my two boys. Gone are the days when working digitally was seen as a form of laziness; nowadays, digital skills are the real deal.

Digital skills open up job opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible, particularly in tech-driven sectors like data analysis, web development and digital marketing. The rise of remote work and online freelancing platforms also means women can access global job markets, where they can apply their skills without geographical limitations, most especially sit at home mothers.

By learning coding, data management or social media marketing, women gain competitive advantages that translate into higher incomes and better job security.

For example, a report by the International Finance Corporation found that women in Kenya who acquired digital skills experienced a 50 per cent increase in their income.

By being digitally literate, these women gained access to better-paying jobs that they could manage alongside family responsibilities, thus creating a sustainable path to financial independence.

Digital literacy empowers women to build and manage their own businesses. With skills in digital marketing, e-commerce, and online customer engagement, women can create businesses that cater to larger, often global, audiences.

Digital platforms like social media and e-commerce websites offer cost-effective ways to promote products and services, even for women with limited resources.

This ability to operate online provides a unique chance for women entrepreneurs to overcome the financial and cultural barriers they often face in traditional business environments.

Take, for instance, Nneka Eze, a Nigerian entrepreneur who used her digital marketing skills to launch a successful online store selling local crafts. Eze’s business became profitable within months, thanks to her savvy use of social media for promotion.

“Digital skills gave me the confidence to market my products beyond my local community, and today I’m financially independent,” she said.

Many women, especially mothers, face challenges balancing work and family responsibilities. Digital skills offer a way for women to access flexible work arrangements that suit their needs. Remote jobs, freelance gigs, and digital entrepreneurship allow women to earn a livelihood without needing to be physically present in an office.

This flexibility is particularly important in cultures where women are expected to manage the household, as it reduces the burden of choosing between career and family.

For example, coding bootcamps and online training platforms have enabled women in remote areas of Pakistan and India to enter the global freelance market as software developers. For these women, digital literacy isn’t just a skill, it’s an essential path to a career that provides the income and flexibility to meet their personal and family needs.

Many high-paying industries, particularly in technology, have historically been male-dominated. By encouraging digital literacy among women, societies can diversify the workforce and enable women to enter well-paying roles in fields like IT, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

This shift is crucial for closing the gender wage gap and increasing women’s representation in decision-making roles. Organizations like “Girls Who Code” in the USA and “Women Techmakers” in Nigeria provide structured training for girls and young women, preparing them for high-growth tech careers.

As Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, states, “When women have the skills to succeed in tech, they not only thrive in their own careers but become role models for the next generation, driving a cycle of economic empowerment.”

Women who acquire digital skills often become advocates for change within their communities. As women gain economic power, they are better positioned to invest in education, healthcare, and other areas that improve the well-being of their families and communities.

Digital literacy helps amplify women’s voices, enabling them advocate for issues that matter to them and drive positive change on a larger scale. Digital empowerment has ripple effects: a woman who successfully navigates her way in the tech world often inspires other women to do the same, creating a community upliftment effect.

For instance, Aisha Bello, an engineer from Lagos, Nigeria, used her digital skills to launch a nonprofit that trains young girls in rural areas in basic computer skills. She notes, “For every girl we train, we are creating a wave of change that will impact generations.”

By empowering women with digital skills, society takes a crucial step toward reducing gender inequality in the workforce. As women gain proficiency in tech and other digital fields, they become more competitive candidates for jobs traditionally held by men, thus challenging societal norms and closing gender gaps.

This balance is essential for creating a more equitable, diverse, and innovative workforce. The World Economic Forum has emphasised the importance of equipping women with digital skills as a necessary step to close the gender gap in economic participation.

Women’s representation in digital spaces not only contributes to gender parity but also enhances creativity and productivity in the workplace, as diverse teams have been shown to make better decisions.

Digital skills are essential for women to thrive in the modern workforce and are a critical pathway to economic empowerment and societal change.

By equipping women with these skills, societies unlock a wealth of talent, drive economic growth, and pave the way toward gender equality. Investing in digital literacy programs, such as “Girls Who Code” and “Women Techmakers” not only helps individual women but has a profound impact on their communities and ultimately, the world.

As more women gain the digital skills they need to succeed, we move closer to a future where technology is a force for equality, opportunity and progress.

In conclusion, Digital literacy has proven to be a powerful catalyst for change in women’s lives, enabling them reshape their futures, pursue new careers and attain economic independence.

Although several initiatives have been created to increase the number of women in the tech industry, a large number of women still lack digital literacy. To truly bridge this gap, it is essential to invest in programs that not only teach digital skills but also foster a supportive environment where women can excel.

As more women gain digital literacy, society will move closer to a world where technology becomes a tool for empowerment, equality and lasting change.

The success stories of women like Jennifer Herrera and Nneka Udeh are just the beginning of a broader movement toward digital empowerment for women worldwide. We envision a world where any woman selling in a local market can leverage technology to enhance her business.