The Digital Divide Faced By Ghanaian Female Entrepreneurs And The Coping Mechanisms

Abstract

This study investigates the digital divide faced by Ghanaian female entrepreneurs and the coping mechanisms they adopt to navigate digital challenges. Despite Africa being the only continent where females dominate the entrepreneurial space, Ghanaian female entrepreneurs continue to face significant barriers in leveraging digital technologies for business growth. Grounded in the Resource-Based Theory (RBT), this thesis set out to explore the nature of the digital, the effect on performance and the coping mechanisms adopted to mitigate the challenges. Using a qualitative approach within a constructivist paradigm, the study engaged 30 female entrepreneurs operating in Accra. Data was collected through questionnaires that contained a balance of open-ended and closed-ended questions. Data was administered in person and allowed for interpretation and clarification. The findings reveal that while many entrepreneurs have access to digital devices, disparities in digital literacy and digital technology use persist. This digital divide manifests in reduced market reach, a smaller customer base, and limited sales. Entrepreneurs cope through family and friends support networks, support staff, and alternative means of marketing. The study contributes to the limited literature on gendered digital divide in entrepreneurship, offering insights into the barriers that hinder female-led ventures in Ghana. It recommends targeted digital literacy programmes, inclusive ICT policies, and community-based training hubs to bridge the divide. Ultimately, empowering female entrepreneurs with training resources is essential for fostering inclusive economic development and gender equity in Ghana.