Digital Inclusion and Empowerment: Evaluating Key Enablers for Women Entrepreneurs in the Informal Economy through AHP

Abstract

This study explores the key enablers of digital inclusion and empowerment for women entrepreneurs in the informal economy, with a particular focus on evaluating these factors using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Despite the vast potential of digital tools in enhancing business practices, women in the informal sector face significant barriers in accessing technology, digital literacy, financial support, and social acceptance. This research identifies five critical attributes—Access to Digital Infrastructure, Digital Literacy, Financial Support Systems, Social and Cultural Acceptance, and Government and Policy Support—and assesses their relative importance for enabling digital inclusion. Through AHP, the study aims to prioritize these enablers and provide valuable insights for policy makers and organizations to design targeted interventions that foster digital empowerment. The findings reveal that access to digital infrastructure and digital literacy are the most significant enablers, while social and cultural acceptance also plays a crucial role in overcoming gendered barriers to digital engagement. This research contributes to the understanding of digital inclusion challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the informal economy, offering a pathway toward more inclusive digital entrepreneurship.