entrepreneurs felt discouraged to go; they were not sure what kind of help they would get. What came to mind was creating a network able and willing to connect with one another and share insights. We interviewed one woman who had been in business for 15, 20 years in difficult circumstances, for instance. She was struggling with illness, and her family members were not really interested in taking the business forward. Here was a woman who has developed a rich understanding, and that knowledge would be lost. Why are we not privileging this knowledge? Why are we not creating some kind of platform where others are able to connect with her and learn from her? There was no such mechanism available in Pakistan or Ghana. If we can create these platforms, connect these women, generate digital literacy, then firstly it would help them expand their customer base, and hopefully increase their financial compensation. Also, it would allow them to connect with their peers to understand how they tackle issues, and to share ideas. We do not want someone from a privileged background to come and tell those from an impoverished background what to do. There is just such a disconnect, a social disconnect, a class disconnect. We want something where these women can share insights with one another and benefit from those who have successfully overcome significant challenges in their daily lives and in their business. GIVING THEM A CHANCE What I take issue with is that these entrepreneurs do not know about the opportunities open to them. We need to give them access to that information through networks and wider connections, help them develop the skillset to access information and explore possibilities for themselves, through social media and other channels. We should not assume they are incapable of using these platforms. They are managing businesses in difficult circumstances, they have abilities, so we should give them an opportunity to explore avenues for helping themselves. FIFTY FOUR DEGREES | 29 Dr Uzair Shah is a Lecturer in the Department of Organisation, Work and Technology. s.shah2@lancaster.ac.uk
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