In the latest installment of Citizen Digital's "She Means Business," the spotlight turns to the critical intersection of gender, technology, and the fight for a safer digital space for women.

The Digital Gender Gap

The promise of the digital age was one of equality—a level playing field where anyone with a connection could compete. However, for many women in Kenya and across Africa, the internet remains a double-edged swordOn one side lies economic opportunity; on the other, a minefield of harassment, surveillance, and exclusion. This week's feature on She Means Business dives deep into these challenges, hosting a leading voice in digital inclusion to dismantle the barriers keeping women offline or unsafe.

Privacy is Power

The conversation centers on a fundamental truth: privacy is not a luxury, it is a prerequisite for freedom. For female entrepreneurs and professionals, the fear of doxxing, cyberstalking, or data theft can be a silencer. The featured advocate highlights how Kenya's Data Protection Act is a vital tool, but one that requires robust enforcement and public awareness to be effective.

"We cannot talk about digital inclusion without talking about safety," the segment emphasizes. "If a woman does not feel safe online, she will not do business online." This sentiment echoes a growing global movement demanding that big tech platforms take responsibility for the environments they create.

Tools for the Future

Beyond the challenges, the feature is a masterclass in empowerment. It outlines practical steps for women to reclaim their digital agency:

• Data Hygiene: Simple practices to secure personal information against bad actors.
• Navigating Regulations: Understanding rights under Kenyan law to report and prosecute digital abuse.
• Building Networks: The importance of female-led digital communities that provide mentorship and "safe harbors" in the virtual world.

A Call to Action

As Kenya cements its position as the "Silicon Savannah," the message from She Means Business is clear: the country's digital future must be female-inclusive. This requires more than just handing out smartphones; it demands a systemic shift in how we design, regulate, and police the digital commons. By amplifying the voices of those fighting for this change, the platform continues to champion not just women in business, but women in every sphere of modern life.