Exploring the Dimensions of Digital Inequality: The Case of Women Traders in Accra

Abstract

The prevalence of mobile phones has led to a number of studies to assess their impact and role in the urban informal economy. However, one area that remains under-researched is the differences in access and use – digital inequality among semi-literate users, particularly in the informal economy. Drawing on qualitative data from interviews of market women in four major markets in Accra - Makola, Agbogbloshie, Kaneshie and Madina markets - this paper goes beyond mere access to examine the acquisition of technological know-how and its association with mobile phone features and services assessed as a way of measuring inequality among women traders. From the study findings, the paper argues that women traders have limited technical know-how which has hindered them to explore beyond the voice function the other myriads opportunities their mobile phones have to offer. Their limited knowledge stems from lack of various literacies: lack of technical literacy, basic language literacy, and information literacy which is associated with their educational level and age. This paper thus questions the implication of education in developing technological savvy among semi-literate women traders in the urban informal economy to exploit the myriad opportunities their mobile phones have to offer. This research paper contributes to the building of grounded empirical knowledge of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for development, the role of social networks in ICTs use, knowledge transfer to adult population and dimensions of digital inequality among women traders in the informal economy of Accra.