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Stagnation in Closing the Mobile Internet Gender Gap

Recent findings from the 'Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025' issued by GSMA indicate that efforts to close the gender gap in mobile internet usage across low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) have hit a plateau. As of 2024, women are still significantly disadvantaged, being 14% less likely to use mobile internet compared to their male counterparts. This translates to an estimated 885 million women remaining unconnected, predominantly in regions including South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Current State of Mobile Internet Access for Women

The report sheds light on the stark reality faced by women in LMICs; an alarming 235 million women are not online. It highlights that while 63% of women surveyed have access to mobile internet, there remains a substantial gender gap in usage that has evidently stagnated. In fact, although the gap has narrowed over the years—from 25% in 2017 to 15% in 2020—it has not seen further improvements from 2021 to 2022. By 2023, it returned to the 15% mark, yet the lack of change ever since raises significant concerns.

Geographically, the situation is more dire in regions like South Asia, where the gap soars to 32%, and in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it stands at 29%. These statistics reveal the challenges women face in acquiring reliable access to mobile technology, affecting their daily lives and livelihoods.

Impact of Mobile Internet on Women's Lives

An important aspect highlighted in the report is the positive role that mobile internet plays in enhancing women's lives. Many respondents indicated that access to mobile internet facilitates better communication, supports economic activities, and provides access to essential services such as healthcare and financial resources.

Claire Sibthorpe, Head of Digital Inclusion at GSMA, expressed disappointment over the stagnation in progress, stating, "It's disheartening that progress in reducing the mobile internet gender gap has stalled. The data underscores the urgent need for a unified effort and increased investment from all stakeholders to bridge this digital divide. The gap will not close without targeted initiatives that address the unique barriers women face."

Challenges Faced by Women in Mobile Access

Although data shows that 61% of women in LMICs own smartphones, it’s crucial to note that this still leaves approximately 945 million women without a device. The cost barrier is significant; entry-level smartphones require about 24% of women's monthly income, which is double the cost burden faced by men. Once mobile internet access is attained, women tend to use it less frequently and for fewer applications, primarily due to issues associated with affordability, safety concerns, and unreliable connectivity.

The report advocates for concrete actions to remedy these challenges, emphasizing the role of GSMA’s Connected Women Commitment Initiative. Since its inception in 2016, this initiative has reportedly helped connect over 80 million additional women to mobile internet services or mobile money, demonstrating that focused efforts can indeed lead to impactful outcomes.

Conclusion

In summary, while there is some progress reflected in past years regarding women's access to mobile internet, the need for ongoing attention and collective action to address the barriers they face is more pertinent than ever. The findings of the Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025 serve as a call to action for corporations, governments, and non-profits alike to prioritize efforts aimed at closing the mobile internet gender gap in LMICs. A continued commitment to understanding and addressing women's unique requirements in this digital era is essential to foster an inclusive digital environment for all.