One-third of MENA women shop online - survey

One third of women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region shop online and single women seem to like online shopping even more, a survey by Yahoo! Maktoob Research has revealed.

The survey conducted by Yahoo! Maktoob Research quizzed 1,000 women of all ages across MENA to find out how they behave digitally.

According to the survey, women who are already online are happy to purchase products on the web and the key factors that prompt shopping are time, money, comfort and availability.

The majority of women (75%) who participated in the survey said the most popular way to relax is surfing on the Internet, while watching TV is their favourite “me” time (47%).

Additionally, women in the region take up to blogging and forums actively, with 65% regularly contributing their opinions to blogs and forums. These forums bring together women in similar circumstances, where opinions can be vocalised and conversations can begin, the report said.

69% of women believe online is the best media to express personal opinion.

Highlights from the findings:

The important methods of online communication preferred by women are:
•    88% communicate using email
•    84% use a social networking site
•    74% send/receive  IM online

Women are connecting to the Internet using:
•    Laptops- 54%
•    Smartphones - 51%
•    Tablets - 13%

The survey ranks women’s online media consumption based on topics of interest.
•    Beauty tips - 46%
•    News about the region - 45%
•    Healthy living - 39%
•    Food and drink - 38%
•    International news - 37%
•    Fashion and clothing - 37%
•    Employment and jobs – 31%
•    Love and relationships - 30%

Viewing online video content is extremely popular, as are photographs and images, with online gaming and music also ranking highly.

•    Online video – 64%
•    Photos and images – 57%
•    Gaming – 53%
•    Music -- 52%
•    Competitions -- 50%
•    Arts -- 44%

According to the survey, female-specific personal health information is another very popular topic with fitness and family health content attracting high interest.
•    Healthier me/ personal information – 48%
•    Weight and exercise information – 39%
•    Healthier family/family health issues – 38%
•    Better relationship/relationship advice – 25%
•    Less stress/stress management - 21%
•    Luxury advice/ luxury items – 24%

To purchase the full report that contains more insights & analysis on how women behave digitally in the MENA region contact Yahoo! Maktoob Research by emailing researchinfo@yahoo-inc.com