Barriers & Challenges

Women in tech and digital still face a range of barriers and challenges despite progress being made. Some of the challenges include gender bias, lack of representation, lack of access to leadership opportunities and social and cultural stereotypes and practices. Social Conditioning starts early where young girls see Math and Science as difficult subjects and don’t get encouragement to pursue these fields. Women are underrepresented in tech fields, with many women struggling to advance to higher positions in their careers due to bias in the industry. In addition, women are often paid less than their male counterparts, which is a major concern for many female tech professionals. Women may also face challenges in accessing leadership positions due to the lack of role models and mentorship opportunities. in 2022 only 63 per cent of women were using the Internet compared to 69 per cent of men, according to the International Telecommunication Union.

A study (#gendersnap2022) of 51 countries revealed 38 per cent of women had personally experienced online violence. In Ghana, the 2021 Population and Housing Census records that 8 in 10 persons 12 years and older own mobile phones, the proportion was higher for males (85.8%) than females (80.7%). On the use of smart mobile phone, the statistics show 72.5% males and 66% females. For laptop computer, the proportion is 8.4% males and 5.1% females.

With Africa’s Internet economy estimated to reach $180 billion by 2025, according to the IFC, e-commerce can drive inclusive growth and create three million jobs across Africa by 2025 if technology and online markets are well utilized. This could be exponential for Ghana, particularly with a large population of youth that need employment. However, the figures show that women are at high risk to be left behind without the proper support and training.