Women are 14 per cent less likely than men to use mobile internet, and the rate of mobile internet adoption among women is slowing, according to a new report from the GSMA,
The gender gap report analyses data from 15 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), comparing women’s mobile access and usage with that of men.
It reveals that approximately 235 million fewer women than men use mobile internet in these countries. In total, 885 million women do not use mobile internet, Around 60 per cent of whom live in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Mobile phones remain the primary means of accessing the internet for most people in LMICs, especially for women. Most women surveyed said mobile internet has a positive impact on their lives, helping them stay connected, support their livelihoods, and access critical services such as healthcare, education, and financial services.
Now in its eighth edition, the GSMA report finds that 63 per cent of women in LMICs are using mobile internet—a record high. However, substantial gender gaps persist.
“Between 2017 and 2020, the mobile internet gender gap narrowed significantly—from 25 per cent to 15 per cent,” the report states.
“However, progress stalled in 2021 and 2022, with the gap widening slightly. Encouragingly, in 2023 the gap narrowed again for the first time in three years, returning to 15 per cent. Today, it stands at 14 per cent, essentially unchanged. The gap remains widest in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, at 32 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively.”
Claire Sibthorpe, Head of Digital Inclusion at the GSMA, commented:
“It’s disheartening that progress in reducing the mobile internet gender gap has stalled. The data highlights the urgent need for greater focus and investment by all stakeholders to close the digital gender divide. This gap won’t close on its own—it’s driven by deep-rooted social, economic, and cultural barriers that disproportionately affect women.
“Our Connected Women Commitment Initiative shows that progress is possible. Since its launch in 2016, our operator partners have reached over 80 million additional women with mobile internet or mobile money services by addressing women’s needs and tackling the barriers they face.”
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