Over half of women in low- and middle-income countries now access mobile Internet

The mobile Internet gender gap has narrowed and now 54 per cent of women in low- and middle-income countries use mobile internet, an increase from 44 per cent in 2017, according to a study by industry body GSM Association (GSMA).

The gender gap in mobile internet usage remains substantial, with over 300 million fewer women than men accessing the Internet from a mobile device in low- and middle-income countries. Affordability remains a critical barrier to mobile ownership. At the same time, lower awareness, and lack of literacy and digital skills, are vital factors preventing women’s mobile internet use, the study said.

The underlying gender gap in mobile ownership remains mostly unchanged, and 165 million fewer women than men own a mobile. The research found that mobile offers essential benefits to users. The majority of male and female mobile owners reported that mobile ownership makes them feel safer, better informed and supports them in their day-to-day lives.