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Edinburgh Reporter
16 hours ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Scotland 2050 – First Minister to address conference in Edinburgh
At the Scotland 2050 conference on Tuesday First Minister, John Swinney, will outline his vision for an independent Scotland. Addressing a mixed audience of public, private and third sector, academia and politicians, the First Minister is expected to say: 'It is only by taking charge of our own destiny, with our own hand on the tiller, that we are better able to ride the waves of change, that we are better able to shape our own future. 'I have long believed that Scotland is an afterthought to successive UK governments. Scotland is not on Westminster's radar in the same way, say, as London, the Midlands or the Southeast. 'It holds us back in ways big and small, leaving us waiting and praying, hoping that decisions taken at Westminster are not too damaging. 'We are prey to a broken system and a failing economic model – a system that delivers for a very few at the very top, while living standards stagnate and real wages are squeezed for the vast majority. 'All this when we have the capacity to stand and flourish on our own two feet. 'Independence is the defining choice for this generation, have no doubt. Because the UK status quo has proved itself incapable of delivering on the hopes and ambitions of the people of Scotland. That is why, like a clear majority of Scots, I believe that our nation should have the right to choose. 'A Scotland that is modern, dynamic and forward-looking, living in anticipation of what more can be done, what else can be achieved. Moving forward as one, moving forward with hope and self-belief. 'Such a Scotland is within reach, I have no doubt. But if we want it, we have to work for it, we have to vote for it, we have to actively, purposefully, and I hope also joyfully, make it happen.' The First Minister will be accompanied by the Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes who is also Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic. Other political leaders including the Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, Alex Cole Hamilton MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats will also attend as well as Cherie Blair, KC, Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. The conference aims to 'foster an ambitious and forward-thinking atmosphere, allowing participants to dream big and set out challenging and credible paths towards the future of Scotland. 'By bringing together leading thinkers from civil society, industry, academia, and policy, Scotland 2050 will provide a space for creative and informed debate on the big ideas of today and the road to tomorrow.' The conference is sold out and will take place at Assembly Rooms. © 2025 Martin McAdam Like this: Like Related
The Print
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
Women entrepreneurs can boost global GDP by $5 trillion. How their potential can be unlocked
Women entrepreneurs are critical drivers of economic growth and poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). They own nearly half of the businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean (47%), 44% in East Asia and the Pacific and 30% in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their ventures contribute significantly to job creation and GDP. However, despite their ambition and resilience, women entrepreneurs face systemic barriers that hinder their business success and slow down economic progress. One of the most significant obstacles is digital exclusion. Access to digital tools and services have become key determinants of business success, yet women in LMICs often experience poor internet connectivity, lack of digital literacy, unaffordable mobile devices and data, and online gender-based violence (GBV). If policymakers are serious about unlocking women's economic potential, they must bridge this divide by investing in legal and policy reforms, strengthening digital infrastructure and ensuring online safety for women entrepreneurs. The digital divide: addressing critical challenges for women entrepreneurs Findings from the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women's latest report, Empowered or Undermined? Women Entrepreneurs and the Digital Economy, published with Intuit and the World Bank's Women, Business and the Law project, highlight the stark realities of digital exclusion. While 92% of women entrepreneurs in LMICs surveyed own a personal smartphone, 45% lack regular internet access due to high data costs and unreliable connectivity. Without consistent access, their ability to participate in online markets and leverage web-based tools like social media, e-commerce, mobile money, and AI is significantly limited. Show Full Article The gender gap in mobile internet usage remains a major concern. Women in LMICs are 15% less likely than men to use mobile internet, restricting their access to e-commerce, digital payments and essential business tools. Moreover, online harassment exacerbates digital exclusion. The report finds that 57% of women entrepreneurs have experienced some form of online harassment, deterring them from fully engaging in digital spaces and limiting their economic opportunities. How legal and regulatory barriers undermine women entrepreneurs Findings from the report suggest that costly and complicated business regulations are a significant barrier for nearly one-fifth of women entrepreneurs in LMICs, making it harder for them to formalise and grow their businesses. Another alarming trend is harassment during official business processes, such as applying for permits or loans. Women entrepreneurs are more likely than men to face intimidation or discrimination in these settings, discouraging them from engaging in formal economic activities. Legal and regulatory frameworks can help eliminate these barriers. However, legislative and policy gaps continue to disadvantage women entrepreneurs around the world, as underscored by the World Bank's 2024 Women, Business and the Law report. For instance, in some countries, women still need permission from a male family member to register a business. Discrimination in access to credit based on gender is also not legally prohibited in 96 out of 190 economies. World Bank data also highlights a lack of government programmes that provide women entrepreneurs access to finance and training, coaching or business development activities, which can support them in opening and running a business. If policymakers fail to address these issues, they risk stifling the potential of millions of women-led businesses. The economic case for investing in women entrepreneurs Closing the gender gap in digital and financial inclusion is not just a moral imperative – it is an economic necessity. Studies show that increasing women's entrepreneurship can lead to substantial GDP growth. According to a 2019 analysis by Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and Boston Consulting Group, if women were able to participate equally as entrepreneurs to men, global GDP could be boosted by as much as $5 trillion – about the size of Japan's economy. When women have access to digital tools, their businesses thrive. The Empowered or Undermined? Women Entrepreneurs and the Digital Economy report found that women entrepreneurs with regular internet access are 2.5 times more likely to use AI tools, which can enhance productivity and efficiency. Women who sell to male customers are three times more likely to receive digital payments, highlighting the demand for safe and accessible financial transactions. How policymakers can unlock women's potential Policymakers in both LMICs and high-income countries must take decisive action to bridge the digital divide and create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs. The following measures are crucial: 1. Improve legal and regulatory frameworks Eliminate laws that restrict women from registering a business without a husband's or male guardian's permission. Streamline business registration processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Ensure equal access to finance, including microloans and grants tailored to women entrepreneurs. 2. Address online gender-based violence Strengthen legal protections against online harassment and ensure accountability. Enforce regulations on social media platforms to prevent abuse. Increase awareness and training on digital safety and cybersecurity for women entrepreneurs. 3. Expand digital infrastructure and reduce costs Invest in affordable internet access and expand public Wi-Fi. Develop financing programmes for devices and data plans. Incentivise telecoms to expand rural and underserved connectivity. 4. Invest in digital skills training Establish national digital literacy programmes for women entrepreneurs. Develop training on AI and e-commerce to enhance business productivity. Provide mentorship and networking opportunities to help women leverage digital markets. 5. Strengthen public-private partnerships Encourage collaboration between governments, tech companies and NGOs to fund and implement digital inclusion initiatives. Create tax incentives for businesses investing in women-led enterprises. Partner with financial institutions to develop tailored financial products for women entrepreneurs. Investing in equal opportunity for sustainable growth Women entrepreneurs in LMICs are already proving their resilience and ability to drive economic progress. However, without urgent action, the digital divide will continue to undermine their potential. Policymakers must act now – not only to ensure gender equality but also to harness the economic benefits of inclusive entrepreneurship.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
As Women Entrepreneurs In Emerging Economies Embrace Digital Entrepreneurship, They Also Experience The Hazards
The digital economy is creating vast new opportunities for women in low-and middle-income countries to start and scale businesses, yet many women are being held back by lack of access to capital to fund their ventures, irregular access to the internet, and online gender-based violence, according to new research released by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women in its report 'Empowered or Undermined? Women Entrepreneurs and the Digital Economy. The foundation partnered with Intuit and the World Bank's 'Women, Business and the Law' project to produce the report. "Despite systemic barriers, many women are turning challenges into innovation every day – offering remote services, using mobile money to reach customers, and building businesses from home,' said Dhivya O'Connor, CEO of the foundation. Among those surveyed 63% say tools such as social media marketing and digital payments lead to improved business functions. 88% use WhatsApp and74% use Facebook for business. One entrepreneur from Fiji is marketing her farm produce on social media—and winning her first customers. 'This is a significant achievement for me, as I only started farming in 2023 with no prior knowledge,' she told researchers. Another from Kenya is finding that customers are doing the marketing for her. 'Some customers, after being satisfied with the product, share or repost pictures and videos of the business on their accounts, which has been a huge gain for my business,' she shared with researchers. The foundation offers tailored support, mentorship, and networking to entrepreneurs through its programs to build their confidence and capabilities. It has worked with 300,000 women since 2008. The researchers surveyed 2,870 women running microbusinesses and small and midsized businesses (SMBs) from 96 low- and middle-income countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, East Asia, the Pacific region, and Sub-Saharan Africa in November and December 2024. The research was conducted by the firm Shared Pathways. The top ten respondent countries were Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Pakistan, Botswana, India, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The median age of repondents was 36.5 years old. Forty-two percent have bachelor's degrees. The funding gap continues to challenge women entrepreneurs The research uncovered several key areas where support could make a difference for women entrepreneurs. Eight-seven percent of the women said they need funding for business growth. Many have not yet started using e-commerce platforms, with less than one-third using platforms such as Alibaba, Amazon and Jumia. More access to the internet could also be a game changer. Although 98% of those surveyed have smartphones, 45% do not have regular internet access. The research found that those without smartphones are 5.5 times less likely to use social media for business and 3.75 times less likely to have a bank account or mobile money account. Dhivya O'Connor, CEO of the Cherie Blaire Foundation, says online gender-based violence is taking ... More a toll on women entrepreneurs who use social media. Digital harassment and violence force entrepreneurs to use workarounds Although social media is helping many entrepreneurs spread the word about their products and services, some are limiting the use of social media that could help them win business because it exposes them to harassment such as verbal abuse, unsolicited explicit images, and stalking, according to the report. Fifty-seven percent of the women surveyed said they had experienced this kind of abuse on social media, and many saw it as a major barrier to doing business safely online. "Online gender-based violence takes a real toll on women entrepreneurs,' said O'Connor. 'Many feel forced to limit their visibility online – and some even step away from digital platforms entirely – which can directly impact their businesses. A proactive approach can often protect women entrepreneurs, according to O'Connor. That includes using privacy settings well and keeping personal and business profiles separate. 'Many also use tools like secure payment systems and encrypted messaging apps to protect their interactions,' O'Connor said. 'When available, digital safety training can make a big difference. These actions help women stay professional and visible online while reducing their vulnerability to threats.' "Over 75% of the women we spoke to said they take active steps to stay safe, both online and offline,' O'Connor said. 'Some screen clients before meeting them, others avoid sharing personal images or names online, and some even rely on trusted male relatives for protection in certain situations.' The vigilance is ongoing. One woman from South Africa who shared her story in the report said, 'I have experienced some harassment from male 'customers.' Some men assume I'm desperate for a sale and try their luck by making suggestive remarks, even though it's clearly a business number and a business WhatsApp.' Another from Nigeria shared, 'I meet customers at our premises, and when outside, only in public spaces and never alone. I usually go with one or two team members for added security.' The research found that women who sell exclusively to male customers are twice as likely to receive digital payments exclusively through digital accounts than those selling exclusively to female customers. They are gravitating to this approach to avoid in-person contact. The foundation asserts that more needs to be done by digital platforms and governments to treat online gender-based violence seriously, said O'Connor. 'We need better reporting tools, user moderation, stronger enforcement, and more public awareness,' she said. 'When women feel safe online, they are empowered to fully participate, innovate, and succeed. A safer digital world doesn't just benefit women – it benefits everyone.' Education in using new technologies is in high demand One overriding message of the report is that women in low- and middle-income countries are serious about pursuing entrepreneurship and tackling the challenges that come with it. Many are seeking new skills, with more than one-fifth saying they feel either underprepared or completely unprepared for the wave of new business technologies. 'I would like assistance in learning to design labels and for product photography using a cell phone,' one entrepreneur from South Africa told the researchers. 'We don't have the budget for product shoots to compete with big brands or the resources to create labels for products.' However, with free and low-cost technologies leveling the playing field every day, many of these entrepreneurs are continuing to move forward with the resources they have--and establishing staying power for their businesses.
Reuters
15-04-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Tech firms are failing women entrepreneurs. Here's how to make them feel safer online
April 15 - The digital economy holds immense promise for women entrepreneurs in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). With access to digital tools, they can market their products, expand their customer base and manage their finances more efficiently than ever before. However, this promise is undermined by a persistent reality: women entrepreneurs are not safe online. The tech industry has a pivotal role to play in addressing this issue, both as a matter of corporate responsibility and as a business opportunity. A new report by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, published with Intuit and the World Bank's Women, Business and the Law project, reveals that 57% of women entrepreneurs in LMICs have experienced online harassment on social media platforms, while 21% fear harassment from male customers. Many women restrict their online visibility due to concerns about safety, which directly impedes their ability to market and grow their businesses. In fact, 41% intentionally limit their online presence, such as by choosing to restrict their marketing to women-only online spaces in order to avoid potentially harmful interactions with men. The message is clear: digital platforms are failing women, and the tech industry must step up to create safer and more equitable online spaces. This is not just a moral imperative: it is an economic one. Women entrepreneurs are a vital but underserved market for digital business tools, financial services and e-commerce platforms. The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women recently valued the market for digital business tools for women entrepreneurs in LMICs at $30 billion. What's more, women who have access to digital finance and e-commerce are more likely to grow their businesses, reinvest in their communities and contribute to national economies. Yet, online gender-based violence and safety concerns are pushing many women out of the digital economy. Indeed, 62% of women entrepreneurs who cite safety concerns as a barrier to internet access have personally experienced online harassment. If tech companies do not prioritise online safety, they risk alienating a significant user base and losing out on a rapidly expanding market of women-led businesses. Tech companies can and must implement stronger safety and support measures on their platforms. Efforts must be coordinated and intentional, with key approaches including: Stronger content moderation Tech companies must invest in AI-driven moderation tools that detect and prevent abuse before it escalates. Additionally, platforms should implement human oversight mechanisms to ensure nuanced, context-sensitive responses to online violence. Clear and accessible reporting mechanisms Many women don't report online abuse because they don't believe platforms will take action. Tech companies must make reporting mechanisms more accessible and transparent, with clear consequences for perpetrators. Features to protect women's identities Women should not have to choose between online visibility and personal safety. Platforms should offer features that allow women to engage in business without exposing personal information, such as anonymous buyer-seller interactions, concealed contact details and stronger privacy settings for business accounts. Verification systems Much like Uber and Airbnb use rating systems for users, e-commerce and social media platforms should implement buyer-seller verification systems to enhance trust and security in digital transactions. Verified business accounts, transaction reviews and transparent ratings can help create a safer business environment for women. Lower barriers to e-commerce Women entrepreneurs face additional hurdles in e-commerce, from high transaction fees to complex registration processes. By reducing onboarding barriers and offering tailored support, tech companies can increase women's participation in online marketplaces, Governments, too, have a role to play in adopting and enforcing stronger regulations to ensure platforms protect women entrepreneurs, and laws that clearly define digital crimes, with penalties that sufficiently deter offenders. Similarly, multilateral organisations such as the African Union and ASEAN can strengthen digital protections by establishing consistent regulatory standards that individual governments may struggle to enforce independently, and exerting pressure on tech companies. Tech companies must stop treating online safety as an afterthought and recognise it as a fundamental requirement for economic inclusion. Women who feel safe online are more likely to embrace online tools such as social media, AI, e-commerce and digital payments, and ultimately expand their businesses. If digital platforms fail to create safe spaces for women entrepreneurs, they risk losing a significant share of the digital economy's future growth. A more inclusive digital ecosystem benefits everyone, tech companies, women business owners, and the global economy at large. Technology opens doors. Tech companies must now enable women to walk through them.
