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By Melissa Viljoen, Digital Experience Manager, Turrito and Dial a Nerd

In a rapidly digitalising world, the internet has become a crucial platform for empowerment, especially for women. 

Access to education, career opportunities, and communities of support have all been amplified through digital means. However, the promise of empowerment through technology is not always realised. Despite advancements, there remain significant gaps where digital experiences have failed to support, or worse, have hindered women. 

Digital platforms have immense potential to empower women in various ways. Online learning platforms like Coursera and Udemy have opened doors for women across the globe to gain new skills and advance their education. These platforms empower women by providing flexible learning opportunities that can be balanced with other responsibilities. For instance, initiatives like the Malala Fund’s partnership with Apple, which aims to provide free education to girls in underserved regions, demonstrate the transformative power of digital platforms.

In addition to education, digital marketplaces and social media platforms offer women the opportunity to start and grow their own businesses with minimal upfront investment. Women-led businesses on platforms like Etsy and Instagram have flourished, creating economic independence for many. The success of these businesses showcases the potential of digital spaces to foster entrepreneurship among women.

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However, the digital realm has not been without its failures, particularly concerning the online safety and equity of women. The promise of open communication on social media platforms is often marred by harassment and abuse, disproportionately affecting women. High-profile female activists and professionals frequently face targeted harassment campaigns, leading to a chilling effect on women’s participation in digital spaces. The lack of robust mechanisms to combat this harassment undermines the potential for empowerment that these platforms could otherwise offer.

Moreover, AI and machine learning systems that power much of the online experience often perpetuate existing biases. These biases can manifest in ways that disadvantage women, such as in job recommendation algorithms or facial recognition software. For example, a study revealed that a recruitment algorithm used by a major tech company favoured male candidates over equally qualified female candidates, highlighting how digital tools can reinforce gender inequality.

In many parts of the world, access to the internet remains unequal, further exacerbating the digital divide. Women, particularly in developing regions, often have less access to the internet and digital devices compared to men, limiting their ability to benefit from digital empowerment. In sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, women are 37% less likely to use mobile internet than men, which translates into missed opportunities for education, business, and social engagement.

To truly empower women through digital experiences, it is crucial that developers and designers prioritize inclusivity in their work, ensuring that platforms are safe and accessible for all women, regardless of their background. Implementing stronger moderation tools on social media to protect against harassment and ensuring algorithms are free from gender bias are critical steps towards this goal.

Additionally, bridging the digital divide requires a concerted effort from governments, NGOs, and private companies to expand internet access and digital literacy programmes for women, particularly in underserved regions. Initiatives like Google’s Women Will  programme, which aims to close the digital gender gap through education and entrepreneurship, are essential for creating more equitable digital experiences.

Advocacy for stronger regulations and policies that protect women online is also crucial. Governments and tech companies must be held accountable for creating safer and more equitable online environments. The European Union’s Digital Services Act, which includes provisions to combat online abuse, is a step in the right direction and a model that could be adopted more broadly.

Empowering women through digital experiences is not just about providing access to technology—it’s about ensuring that technology works for women. By addressing the failures and building on the successes, we can create a digital world where women are not only participants but leaders. The future of digital empowerment depends on our ability to bridge the gap between promise and practice, ensuring that the digital experiences we create truly empower all women.

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