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Progress in Bridging the Gender Divide in Mobile Internet Lags

According to the recently released Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025 by the GSMA, efforts to bridge the gender gap in mobile internet usage in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have come to a halt in 2024. The findings highlight that women are still 14% less likely to use mobile internet than men, resulting in approximately 885 million women lacking internet access. This issue is most pronounced in regions like South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The report provides an in-depth analysis of mobile access and usage data from 15 LMICs, shedding light on the hurdles women face while adopting and utilizing mobile internet compared to their male counterparts. Interestingly, although 63% of women in LMICs are mobile internet users, significant gender disparities remain evident. The gap, which previously shrunk from 25% in 2017 to 15% in 2020, has stagnated between 2021 and 2022, reflecting a concerning trend. Although the gap reduced again to 15% in 2023, progress has since decelerated.

Claire Sibthorpe, the Head of Digital Inclusion at GSMA, expressed disappointment over the stagnation of advancements aimed at minimizing gender differences in mobile internet usage. Sibthorpe emphasized, "The data underscores the urgent need for increased focus and investment from all stakeholders to bridge the digital gender divide. Relying solely on self-correction won’t suffice due to the deep-seated social, economic, and cultural factors disproportionately affecting women. Our Connected Women Commitment Initiative demonstrates that meaningful change is achievable with targeted actions addressing the specific needs and challenges women face. Since this initiative's inception in 2016, our operator partners have collectively reached over 80 million additional women with mobile internet or mobile money services.”

While 61% of women in LMICs own a smartphone, a staggering 945 million women remain without access to this technology. The cost of entry-level smartphones is significant, averaging 24% of women's monthly income, which is twice the financial burden faced by men. Once connected, women tend to utilize mobile internet less frequently and for fewer services, citing affordability, security concerns, and poor connectivity as major obstacles.

The persistent gender gap in mobile internet access and usage emphasizes the need for actions that transcend basic digital literacy initiatives. Addressing these issues holistically, involving all societal actors including governments, NGOs, and private sectors, can create environments that empower women to leverage technology effectively.

To explore further insights and recommendations detailed in the report, you can find additional information on the GSMA’s official website.