Imagine the frustration of eagerly opening a shopping app, ready to indulge in some online retail therapy, only to be met with confusion and difficulty navigating the user interface. For individuals with visual disabilities, this scenario is an all-too-familiar reality.
The simple act of purchasing items from an online platform transforms into a formidable challenge, akin to facing a closed door that denies them what they rightfully deserve. The true impact of this oversight becomes glaringly evident when e-commerce websites and apps neglect the crucial concept of accessibility, leaving those with disabilities feeling excluded and underserved in the digital marketplace.
Online shopping in Nepal
In the post-pandemic era, the surge in online shopping has become a transformative force in Nepal, with the e-commerce platform Daraz emerging as the preferred choice for a diverse range of goods. While global giants like Amazon and Alibaba dominate elsewhere, Daraz has played a pivotal role in reshaping the retail landscape and employment scenario in Nepal.
Beyond revolutionising the way people buy and sell everything, from necessities to luxury items, Daraz has played a crucial role in employment generation. The platform’s robust presence has led to the creation of jobs in critical sectors such as logistics and delivery services, warehouse and fulfilment centres, technology and IT support, customer service, marketing and advertising and so on.
E-commerce’s shortcomings in accessibility
In a significant development concerning Daraz’s commitment to job creation and its impact on economic growth and societal change, it is crucial to assess the aspect of inclusion. As outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals for the period 2015-2030, the principle of leaving no one behind is paramount.
This principle can only be realised through the establishment of an inclusive system at every step. With online shopping gaining momentum in Nepal through Daraz, Prayatna Nepal, an organisation dedicated to promoting and ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with visual disabilities, conducted research in April 2022 to assess the accessibility of commonly used websites and mobile applications in Nepal.
The findings of Prayatna Nepal’s study unveiled significant shortcomings in the online shopping giant’s approach to digital accessibility. Given the increasing prevalence of online shopping shaping individuals’ daily lives, the study, titled “Prioritising Digital Accessibility for Inclusive Development: Position Paper on Digital Accessibility in Nepal,” highlights a critical need to evaluate the provision of inclusion in the e-commerce boom. Prayatna Nepal’s thorough analysis of Daraz’s accessibility measures has brought to light alarming findings, including:
- Some buttons lack labelling: People with a visual disability who use screen readers rely on button labels to understand the functionality. Without proper labelling, they struggle to navigate and interact effectively with the interface, leading to a frustrating and inaccessible experience.
- Alt-text is not provided for the majority of images: Users with visual impairments, including those using screen readers, heavily depend on alt-text to comprehend the content of images. The absence of alt-text excludes them from accessing crucial information conveyed through images, limiting their overall understanding of the contents.
- The touch target for buttons is smaller, making it difficult to tap on them: Small touch targets pose challenges for individuals with motor disabilities or dexterity issues, hindering their ability to navigate interfaces comfortably and increasing the risk of accidental selections or errors.
Inclusivity gap
The major findings that hindered the accessible use of Daraz by individuals with visual disabilities were identified as a key obstacle. To assess inclusivity on the Daraz platform, Prayatna Nepal conducted a comprehensive analysis of various aspects.
Upon discovering a lack of accessibility, particular attention was directed towards the involvement of persons with disabilities in the workforce. Despite Daraz creating numerous employment opportunities in Nepal, it is unfortunate to witness a lack of clarity in the representation of persons with disability in its employee chain.
Ways to minimise gaps
In response to the imperative need for enhanced accessibility and inclusivity, Daraz finds itself at a critical juncture where proactive measures are indispensable. To address the identified barriers hindering individuals with visual disabilities, the e-commerce giant must take decisive action.
Establishing a collaborative framework with organisations representing persons with disabilities is paramount, as it lays the foundation for co-creating inclusive policies and strategic plans. Furthermore, Daraz ought to institute a systematic schedule of accessibility audits, conducted in concert with experts and representatives from the organisation of persons with disability.
This proactive approach ensures the timely identification and rectification of digital accessibility shortcomings. Simultaneously, the platform should embark on targeted initiatives aimed at augmenting the inclusion of persons with disabilities within its workforce, thereby cultivating a diverse and accessible workplace culture.
By heeding these recommendations, Daraz not only reinforces its commitment to social responsibility but also plays a pivotal role in fashioning a more inclusive and accessible online shopping experience for all users.
While Daraz has undeniably played a pivotal role in transforming Nepal’s retail landscape and fostering employment opportunities, its shortcomings in digital accessibility raise significant concerns. The surge in online shopping, particularly through Daraz, must be accompanied by a steadfast commitment to inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
It is crucial to understand that accessibility and inclusivity are necessities, not luxuries. Thus, Daraz must prioritise and invest in enhancing digital accessibility to ensure that everyone, regardless of their disabilities, can fully participate in the benefits of online shopping.
By doing so, Daraz not only aligns itself with ethical business practices but also opens up new markets and opportunities, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable digital economy in Nepal.
