The persistent gender divide in digital capabilities remains a critical barrier to inclusive economic development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). “Engendering Digital Capabilities in Indonesia,” a recent working paper by Namira Samir and David Lawson, offers invaluable insights into addressing this divide by linking independent digital connectivity (IDC) to employment opportunities. For digital development practitioners, the paper’s findings underscore actionable strategies to drive gender-inclusive digital economies.
TLDR: Women in informal agricultural or service-based self-employment are significantly less likely to own digital devices with internet access.
Redefining Digital Capabilities
Digital capabilities, as conceptualized in the paper, extend beyond basic access to technology. Samir and Lawson define IDC as the intersection of digital device ownership and internet access, emphasizing the importance of independence in connectivity. This nuanced approach highlights the limitations of public or shared digital resources, advocating instead for individual ownership of devices as a pathway to true digital inclusion.
For practitioners, this shift suggests that simply expanding internet access or distributing basic mobile phones falls short. The focus must be on enabling women, particularly in informal economies, to own and control digital devices that suit their economic activities. This ownership-driven approach can significantly enhance women’s agency and participation in digital marketplaces.
Definition of Independent Digital Connectivity
Independent Digital Connectivity is defined as the combination of digital device ownership and internet access, emphasizing the importance of individual control over digital resources. IDC reflects a person’s ability to engage in digital activities without relying on public goods, shared devices, or third-party support.
The framework categorizes IDC into four levels:
- Zero IDC (no device or access),
- Low IDC (basic phone with internet),
- Medium IDC (smartphone or computer with internet),
- High IDC (smartphone and computer with internet).
This definition shifts the focus from simple connectivity to ownership-driven empowerment as a pathway to digital inclusion.
Employment to Close the Digital Divide
The paper reveals a critical insight: employment status and sectoral engagement significantly influence digital connectivity levels. Women engaged in informal self-employment in agriculture and commerce are less likely to achieve medium or high IDC levels compared to their counterparts in formal employment. This finding aligns with broader global trends but adds new dimensions by dissecting the gendered nature of sectoral employment.
Practitioners can leverage these insights by designing targeted interventions for women in informal sectors. Digital upskilling initiatives should not only focus on enhancing technical know-how but also address sector-specific barriers. For example, digital platforms tailored for agricultural cooperatives or local online marketplaces can provide women farmers with affordable and practical tools to expand their businesses.
Bridging the Urban-Rural Digital Divide
The study’s disaggregated rural-urban analysis reveals stark disparities in IDC. While urban women in Indonesia experience a narrowing gender digital divide, rural women lag significantly behind. This mirrors patterns seen across LMICs, where infrastructure deficits and socio-cultural norms exacerbate digital exclusion in rural areas.
To address this, practitioners must prioritize localized digital solutions. Community-driven digital hubs, women-focused financial technology (fintech) products, and partnerships with microfinance institutions (such as KOMIDA, highlighted in the paper) can accelerate digital adoption among rural women. Furthermore, promoting affordable smartphones and facilitating local-language digital content can enhance digital literacy and device usage.
Informality and Digital Exclusion
One of the paper’s most compelling contributions is its exploration of informality in employment as a driver of digital exclusion. Women in informal agricultural or service-based self-employment are significantly less likely to own digital devices with internet access. The lack of formal institutional support or digital training perpetuates this exclusion.
Digital development programs must integrate informal self-employed women into broader digital ecosystems. This can be achieved by establishing informal sector networks that provide digital skills training, affordable data packages, and simplified digital tools that cater to their unique economic needs. Encouraging collective purchasing or shared ownership models can also mitigate the cost barriers associated with high-end digital devices.
Policy Implications for LMICs
Samir and Lawson’s paper offers several policy takeaways for LMICs aiming to close the gender digital divide:
- Shift from Access to Ownership: Policies should transition from public-access initiatives to promoting personal digital device ownership for women. Subsidized digital devices, coupled with financial incentives, can encourage uptake.
- Sector-Specific Digital Strategies: Recognize the heterogeneity of informal employment sectors. Digital interventions should be sector-specific, addressing the distinct needs of women in agriculture, commerce, and services.
- Localized Digital Ecosystems: Develop community-based digital solutions that are locally relevant and culturally sensitive. Partnerships with local microfinance institutions and cooperatives can enhance outreach and adoption.
- Intersectional Approaches: Address the intersection of gender, rurality, and employment informality. Tailored solutions for rural women in informal sectors can bridge existing gaps and foster inclusive digital economies.
A Future Roadmap for Practitioners
For digital development practitioners working in LMICs, the findings from “Engendering Digital Capabilities in Indonesia” provide a robust roadmap for fostering inclusive digital economies. By embracing ownership-driven digital strategies, designing sector-specific interventions, and prioritizing rural women’s digital inclusion, practitioners can play a pivotal role in closing the gender digital divide.
Ultimately, addressing gendered digital exclusion is not just a technological challenge but an economic imperative. Women’s increased digital participation holds the potential to unlock new economic opportunities, driving sustainable development and inclusive growth across LMICs.
A synopsis of “Engendering Digital Capabilities in Indonesia,” by Namira Samir and David Lawson
