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Unresolved Challenges in Closing the Mobile Internet Gender Gap

The latest findings from the GSMA's 'Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025' reveal troubling news: the strides made towards reducing the mobile internet gender gap in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) have hit a significant roadblock. According to the report, as of 2024, women in these regions remain 14% less likely than men to access mobile internet, leaving approximately 885 million women unconnected globally.

The report emphasizes the pressing challenges women face in gaining access to mobile internet services. Despite 63% of women on average currently using mobile internet in LMICs, substantial disparities remain. Notably, the report addresses that the gap has seen negligible improvement since 2021. With this stagnation, women are still significantly underrepresented in mobile internet usage, particularly in regions such as South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, where the gender disparities reach 32% and 29% respectively.

Understanding the Barriers

The barriers preventing women from accessing mobile internet are numerous. Lack of affordability is a prominent factor. While 61% of women in LMICs own a smartphone, many are still cut off, with 945 million women without access to such technology. Entry-level smartphones are reported to consume around 24% of a woman’s income, which is nearly double the cost burden imposed on men. Furthermore, when women do gain access to mobile internet, their usage is often limited; they engage with fewer online services, frequently citing issues around safety, costs, and connectivity.

Much of the data gathered in this report reflects the lived experiences of women. Many respondents reported that mobile internet has positively transformed their lives by enhancing communication capabilities, supporting their businesses, and facilitating access to essential services like healthcare and finance. Yet, the perception that mobile internet is transformative does not alleviate the significant barriers entrenched by socio-economic and cultural factors.

The Role of Stakeholders in Driving Change

Claire Sibthorpe, the Head of Digital Inclusion at GSMA, voiced her concern regarding the stagnation of progress in bridging this critical gender divide. She noted the necessity for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to tackle these entrenched issues. The digital gender gap is not something that can close itself. Active measures, investment, and a concerted effort to understand and address the unique challenges women face are crucial for driving real change.

Her reflections underline the importance of the Connected Women Commitment Initiative, launched in 2016, aiming to enhance the accessibility of mobile services for women. This initiative has reportedly connected over 80 million additional women to mobile internet or mobile money services, demonstrating the impact of targeted interventions.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In an age where connectivity is paramount, the stalled progress in closing the mobile internet gender gap is disheartening but not insurmountable. It underscores the urgent need for continued advocacy, research, and data-supported actions aimed explicitly at elevating women's digital experience and accessibility in LMICs. The journey towards equal access to mobile technology is ongoing, and there is collective responsibility to ensure that women are no longer left on the wrong side of the digital divide.

For more details, read the GSMA's Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025.