The following section is an analysis of the identified barriers to digital inclusion of immigrant women in the Nordic countries. Immigrant women are a large and heterogenous group. Not all experience challenges of digital exclusion. Yet for those who face such challenges, some similar barriers across the Nordic countries have been identified through the interviews with NGOs and the policy review.
The most commonly discussed barriers to digital inclusion among immigrant women in the Nordic countries, as identified by the interviewed NGOs and the reviewed policies, are a lack of national language proficiency, low digital skills, cultural differences in technology use, unfamiliarity with the digital landscape and issues of trust. These encompass lacking trust in technology, the system, and the immigrant women’s own abilities. These issues are further compounded by systemic barriers such as discriminatory practices, family responsibilities, and limited access to childcare and education (Interviewee 3).
One of the most pervasive challenges is the language barrier. The NGOs in this study experience that several of the immigrant women they meet have limited proficiency in the local language, which can hinder their ability to access digital services. The Danish NGO found that this is compounded by the complexity of digital platforms and the technical and bureaucratic language often used in public services and official documents (Interviewee 4). For instance, the NGO in Finland reports that the lack of Finnish language skills among immigrant women makes it difficult for them to use online services and fill out applications (Interviewee 1).
Another significant barrier is the varying level of basic digital skills. Interviewees noted that some of the women they meet lack digital literacy and basic digital skills, such as using a computer, accessing online services, or navigating apps and managing email. This digital divide is exacerbated by lacking resources and opportunities to learn these skills (Interviewee 1). However, those with high digital skills and experience in the ICT sector can also face challenges, mostly connected to entering the Nordic ICT sector and labour market. The reasons differ, ranging from a lack of professional network and connections in the ICT sector to challenges with translating their credentials and certificates (Interviewee 3).
Throughout the research it became evident that trust also poses a challenge. Trust in the system can be a significant issue, particularly for those who are not used to the Nordic system and welfare model or have negative experiences. Mistrust can be exacerbated by past negative interactions with public authorities, both in the participants’ countries of origin and with local authorities (Interviewee 1 & 4). Trust in technology refers to confidence that digital tools and systems are reliable, secure, and protect the user’s privacy. Lastly, some women the NGOs meet feel uncomfortable or fearful about entering the digital world, perceiving it as too difficult and overwhelming. This is often linked to a lack of confidence and the fear of making mistakes (Interviewee 2 & 3).
The Finnish NGO also highlights the risk of digital control or digital violence in the recently digitalised society. This can be seen as a new form of control in which others control access to resources and information, which can create further isolation (Interviewee 1). A lack of “domain knowledge,” such as understanding the Nordic welfare system or public sector, knowing where to find the right public information and services, and comprehending the bureaucratic public sector language, also contributes to the challenges of digital inclusion (Interviewees 1 & 2). Consequently, there are cultural challenges to digital inclusion, which involve varying use of technology, unfamiliarity with the digital landscape and adapting to the norms and practices of the digital world. These challenges can include understanding the local digital culture, navigating online platforms, and feeling comfortable with the digital communication style prevalent in the Nordic countries (Interviewees 3 & 4). Addressing these cultural barriers is essential for fostering a more inclusive digital environment and ensuring that everyone can benefit from digital advancements.
When discussing the various barriers, the representative from the Finnish NGO explained,
"Many of the people we meet lack basic skills, such as how to use a computer, access different services, use Word, and complete online applications. It's not just the language barrier; it's also about having the fundamental digital skills and being able to navigate and trust the digital society” (Interviewee 1).
Figure 2 depicts the barriers to digital inclusion for immigrant women in the Nordic countries, as identified in this research.
As noted above, most reviewed policies focus on digitally challenged groups in general. They mention common barriers such as language skills, digital skills, and cognitive or physical disabilities, without delving into the challenges faced by specific groups (The Danish Agency for Digital Government, Local Government Denmark & Danish Regions, 2024; Digital Iceland, 2021; Norwegian Ministry of Digitalisation and Public Governance, 2024; Danish Ministry of Finance, 2022; Finnish Government, 2022). Furthermore, some policies in the Nordic countries address common challenges faced by immigrants in general, rather than focusing specifically on immigrant women. For instance, policies in Finland (Government Office, 2022) and Sweden (Agency for Digital Governance, 2024) discuss broader issues faced by immigrants, such as cultural, language, and skills-related barriers, without specifically targeting immigrant women. These policies highlight the diversity within immigrant groups and the importance of recognising their varied needs to effectively tackle digital exclusion. Importantly, immigrant women are not an isolated group with unique challenges. The issues they face, such as language barriers, digital skills gaps, and trust, are similar to those encountered by other groups at risk of digital exclusion, as highlighted in this study and in previous research (e.g., Jessen et al., 2024).