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Stagnation in Addressing the Gender Digital Divide in Mobile Internet Usage: GSMA Report 2025

According to the recently released "Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025" by the GSMA, progress in bridging the gender digital divide in mobile internet usage has come to a halt, particularly in developing regions (PRFM). The report reveals that women are 14% less likely than men to use mobile internet, with approximately 885 million women still lacking connectivity. Most of these women reside in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The report delves into access and usage data regarding mobile phones among women across 15 PRFM, identifying the obstacles they face in adopting and utilizing mobile internet in comparison to men. A majority of the women surveyed indicated that mobile internet has positively impacted their lives, enhancing communication, supporting livelihoods, and providing access to essential services like healthcare and finance.

Currently, 63% of women in PRFM use mobile internet, yet significant gender disparities persist. The gap has decreased from 25% in 2017 to 15% in 2020, but it stalled between 2021 and 2022. While it briefly contracted back to 15% in 2023, little change has been observed since then, with the most significant discrepancies noted in South Asia (32%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (29%).

Claire Sibthorpe, the director of digital inclusion at GSMA, expressed concern over the stagnation: “It is discouraging to see that progress in addressing gender disparities in mobile internet usage has stalled. This data underscores the urgent need for increased attention and investment from all stakeholders working collaboratively to bridge the digital divide between men and women. The gap will not close on its own; it is rooted in deep-seated social, economic, and cultural factors disproportionately affecting women. Our 'Connected Women Commitment' initiative demonstrates that by taking concrete steps to address women's needs and the barriers they face, progress can be made. Since launching this initiative in 2016, our partner operators have collectively connected over 80 million additional women to mobile internet or mobile money services.”

Despite 61% of women in PRFM owning a smartphone, 945 million remain without one, with entry-level smartphones costing women an average of 24% of their monthly income—twice the amount paid by men. Additionally, once connected, women tend to use mobile internet less frequently and for fewer services, often citing reasons such as cost, safety, and poor connectivity as barriers.

The findings of the "Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025" call for robust strategies aimed at ensuring equitable access to mobile internet, as connectivity can empower women and transform lives in developing regions. The report highlights the need not only for improved accessibility but also for a commitment to create a safer and more inclusive online environment for women.

To learn more about the findings and how to improve the current situation, visit the GSMA website for further information.