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The Digital Divide: 810 Million Women Without Mobile Internet

Despite slight progress in reducing the gender gap in mobile internet adoption, the numbers remain staggering. The Mobile Gender Gap Report 2026 by GSMA indicates that in low and middle-income countries, a staggering 810 million women still do not have access to mobile internet, compared to 595 million men. This stark contrast highlights persistent barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the digital world.

Continuing Barriers to Access

The report reveals that women in these regions are 12% less likely to use mobile internet compared to their male counterparts. These statistics translate to around 200 million fewer women having access to mobile internet than men.

The geographical disparities are particularly pronounced. Over two-thirds of these 810 million women live in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, the two regions exhibiting the highest gender gaps in mobile adoption—26% and 25%, respectively. More troubling is the fact that women in rural areas face barriers that are two to three times greater than in urban settings, further entrenching digital inequality.

The Digital Device Gap

Access to mobile internet is predominantly achieved through mobile phones in low and middle-income countries. However, the gender gap in smartphone ownership stands at 13%, meaning around 210 million women do not possess smartphones compared to men. The barriers contributing to this gap are multifaceted, including:

• - Affordability: The cost of smartphones remains a primary obstacle.
• - Literacy and Digital Skills: Women often face lower educational attainment and digital literacy.
• - Social Norms: Societal expectations and structural inequalities further deter women's access to technology.

Claire Sibthorpe, the director of digital inclusion at GSMA, emphasizes the urgency of action. "Although there has been a gradual reduction in the mobile gender gap since 2022, significant work is required to address the enduring barriers to adoption and use of mobile internet for women. With the rise of technologies like AI, disparities are likely to widen without significant interventions."

Economic Potential of Closing the Gap

The scenario may appear grim, yet there lies a transformative potential in closing this gender gap in mobile internet access. From 2023 to 2030, eliminating this disparity could contribute an estimated $1.3 trillion to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) across these regions. Enhanced mobile connectivity can empower women, enabling them to better withstand economic, climatic, and political shocks.

The GSMA's Connected Women initiative, which has engaged over 50 mobile network operators, seeks to enhance digital and financial inclusion for women. Since 2016, this initiative has reached over 90 million women, striving to launch more inclusive services in the digital space.

In conclusion, while the numbers are daunting, the pathway to diminishing the gender gap in mobile internet access is not insurmountable. Increased advocacy, strategic investments, and concerted efforts from stakeholders can lead to a transformative environment where every woman has equal access to digital resources, shaping a more equitable future for all.