Bridging the Digital Divide: Mobile Internet Access Crucial for Gender Equality

A recent report published by the GSMA sheds light on the persistent digital gender gap in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and underscores the critical role of mobile internet in achieving gender equality.

According to the Mobile Gender Gap Report, over 800 million women in LMICs will need to adopt mobile internet by 2030 in order to bridge the divide.

The report reveals that women in LMICs are currently 19% less likely than men to use mobile internet, resulting in around 310 million fewer women connected. If the gender gap remains unchanged, projections indicate that less than half of the 800 million target will be reached by the end of the decade, highlighting the need for increased efforts to close the gap.

While progress has been made, the report highlights several challenges that impede women’s access to mobile internet. Affordability of handsets, limited literacy and digital skills, and safety and security concerns are among the top barriers identified. Addressing these obstacles requires collaborative action from policymakers, regulators, mobile operators, and NGOs.

The report also highlights regional disparities in mobile internet usage. South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa account for two-thirds of the 900 million unconnected women in LMICs. Closing the digital gender gap in these regions is crucial for achieving broader gender equality goals.

Mobile ownership and internet usage offer significant benefits for women, their families, and the overall economy. The report emphasizes that mobile phones are often the primary source of internet access, particularly in rural communities. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that women are not left behind in an increasingly digital world.

The GSMA’s Connected Women Commitment initiative, launched in 2016, has seen over 40 mobile operators in LMICs make formal commitments to reduce the gender gap. These efforts have reached over 65 million additional women, delivering notable socio-economic benefits.

However, continued collaboration and targeted action are needed from all stakeholders to fully address the digital gender gap and drive meaningful progress.

To gain more insights into the mobile gender gap in LMICs, the full GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2023 is available for download.