GSMA Report Shows Progress in Bridging Mobile Gender Gap

Mobile internet usage among women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has seen significant growth, with 1.5 billion women now connected, representing 66% of the total female population. Despite this progress, 785 million women in LMICs still lack internet access, particularly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The 'Mobile Gender Gap Report 2024' by GSMA sheds light on the disparities in mobile access between men and women in LMICs. Efforts are being made to bridge this gap and empower women economically through increased mobile ownership and usage.

Recent data shows a positive trend in narrowing the gender gap in mobile internet adoption. Women are now 15% less likely than men to use mobile internet, down from 19% in 2022. Countries like India and Indonesia have made significant strides, with women even surpassing men in mobile adoption rates. Sub-Saharan Africa has also shown improvement in reducing the gender gap.

Currently, 1.4 billion women in LMICs own smartphones, accounting for 60% of the female population. The gender gap in smartphone ownership has decreased from 15% to 13% in 2023, driven by advancements in South Asia. However, there is still work to be done as 40% of women in LMICs do not own smartphones compared to 31% of men.

Access to mobile internet and smartphones is crucial for empowering women in LMICs. Efforts to bridge the gender gap in mobile ownership and usage are making progress, but more initiatives are needed to ensure all women have equal opportunities to benefit from digital connectivity.