Legal Protection of Women in Informal Digital Economies in Kenya and Uganda

Abstract

The fast growth of informal digital economies has presented new opportunities for economic engagement of women in Kenya and Uganda via social commerce, digital markets, mobile money transfers, and online gig-economy platforms. On the other hand, the lack of full legal protection has resulted in vulnerability of many women to digital fraud, cyber harassment, unfair contractual terms, privacy violations, and limited ability to resort to law. This paper analyzes the legal framework regulating the protection of women engaging in informal digital economies in Kenya and Uganda, focusing on the identification of regulatory gaps and ways of improving the legal position and economic security of these women. The research utilizes a doctrinal comparative legal approach based on primary legislative materials, case law, policy papers, and academic literature. The results obtained show that while both Kenya and Uganda have adopted legal instruments regulating the matter of digital economy and cybersecurity, there is much room for improvement concerning the protection of the peculiar vulnerability of women engaged in informal digital economies. It is concluded that a set of gender-sensitive digital policies, strong enforcement, improved digital literacy, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms are needed to enhance the participation of women in informal digital economies.