The country’s continuous bid towards ending the digital divide benefits women micro-entrepreneurs, said Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Undersecretary Anna Mae Lamentillo.

During the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67), Lamentillo explained that digitalization has opened countless doors of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. However, hindrances and barriers remain.

“For women micro-entrepreneurs, while access to a mobile phone could be a barrier, we think the greater challenges include slow or no internet connectivity, especially in the rural areas; lack of awareness, technical know-how, and skills; and low access to digital financing products, such as e-wallets and other banking services,” Lamentillo disclosed.

Citing a study conducted by the International Finance Corp (IFC), Lamentillo said that women entrepreneurs could “better compete” if they acquire digital selling skills.

This, according to the DICT official, is why the Philippines is striving to end the unequal access to ICT services across the nation. Through the DICT, the national government implements projects such as the Free Wi-Fi program and Tech4ED Centers to provide connectivity and enable digital services, especially in far flung areas.

“These initiatives help provide our women micro-entrepreneurs the needed boost not only to continue, upgrade, or start their business, but also to utilize mobile services and other digital technologies,” Lamentillo added.

Earlier in January, Lamentillo bared that digitalization is one of the top priorities of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s administration.