Mobile Internet Usage Gender Gap Stagnates in Low and Middle-Income Countries

Stagnation of Mobile Internet Access for Women

Recent findings from the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025 reveal a concerning trend in the gender disparity regarding mobile internet access in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite gradual progress in recent years, the report indicates that improvements have stalled, with women in these regions facing significant barriers.

As of 2024, women are 14% less likely than men to use mobile internet, translating to approximately 235 million fewer women online. Astonishingly, 885 million women in LMICs remain completely disconnected from mobile internet services, with the most affected being women in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The report underscores the challenges women encounter in adopting and utilizing mobile technology, contrasting their experiences with those of men. While 63% of women in these countries report using mobile internet, the gender gap remains pronounced. The gap has fluctuated over the years, reducing from 25% in 2017 to 15% in 2020, but stagnation occurred between 2021 and 2022. Although there was a slight reduction again in 2023, the gap has hardly changed since then, notably in regions like South Asia (32%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (29%) where disparities are most severe.

Claire Sibthorpe, the GSMA’s head of digital inclusion, expressed her dismay over the stagnation in progress, stressing the urgent need for increased attention and investment from various stakeholders to effectively bridge the digital divide between men and women. She noted that the gender gap in mobile internet utilization is not self-resolving; it is deeply rooted in social, economic, and cultural factors that disproportionately affect women.

Sibthorpe emphasized that the 'Connected Women Commitment' initiative aims to provide substantial solutions to these obstacles. Since its launch in 2016, this initiative has helped operators reach over 80 million additional women with mobile internet access and financial services, highlighting that actionable steps can bring about positive change.

While 61% of women in LMICs own a smartphone, there are still 945 million women who do not. For many women, entry-level smartphones consume about 24% of their monthly income, approximately double the expense for men. Even those who manage to connect often face challenges in using mobile internet actively and for a variety of services, citing costs, safety concerns, and connectivity issues.

This pivotal report serves as a call to action for policymakers, corporations, and community leaders alike to foster inclusive environments and address these systemic inequalities. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, efforts must be concentrated on empowering women with the necessary tools and resources to benefit from mobile technology fully. Therefore, without substantial changes and targeted investments, the mobile internet gender gap will persist, leaving millions of women behind.

In conclusion, as we strive for an equitable digital future, it is crucial to prioritize the unique experiences and needs of women navigating the mobile internet landscape. While the initiatives have made commendable strides, the journey remains long and riddled with complexities that demand collaboration and sustained commitment from all sectors to ensure a connected world for everyone.

For more details, visit the GSMA official website or check the complete report at GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025.