In today’s digital world, inclusivity and technology are reshaping economies globally. Addressing the gender digital divide is crucial not only for social equity but also for economic growth, particularly in regions like Pakistan.
In Pakistan, the gender gap in mobile internet awareness has decreased from 16 per cent to 11 per cent, and women’s use of mobile internet has nearly doubled, rising from 10 per cent to 19 per cent. However, mobile phone ownership remains uneven, with only 50 per cent of women owning a phone compared to 81 per cent of men.
This disparity equates to 22 million fewer women owning mobile phones. Additionally, women are 49 per cent less likely to use mobile internet than men, resulting in 12 million fewer women using this technology.
This divide reflects offline inequalities, with women -- especially in rural areas or with lower incomes -- facing barriers like restrictive cultural norms, low digital literacy, and economic constraints. Inadequate infrastructure, such as unreliable internet in rural areas, further exacerbates these issues, making it harder for women to access and benefit from digital technologies.
Impact of digital exclusion: Excluding women from the digital economy has serious consequences. Without access to digital tools and services, women struggle to participate in the workforce, start businesses, and drive economic growth.
In Pakistan, where the informal economy is large, this exclusion limits women’s economic contributions and perpetuates existing inequalities. Men continue to dominate the digital space, benefiting from access to information and financial services, while women miss out. This imbalance hinders the creation of a more inclusive economy where everyone can contribute to and benefit from economic progress.
Solutions for digital inclusion: To address these challenges, a strategic, multifaceted approach is crucial: spurring solutions, establishing collaborations, and driving transformation. Financial and technical support is essential for scaling evidence-based solutions, such as digital literacy programmes, affordable technology, and infrastructure improvements in underserved areas.
Cultural norms often restrict women’s access to digital technologies, with men acting as gatekeepers to mobile phones and the internet. This ‘digital purdah’, mirroring traditional gender segregation, creates social and psychological barriers. To overcome these, it is crucial to engage men and community leaders as facilitators of digital access, thereby supporting women’s inclusion in the digital realm.
Developing strategies that not only engage women but also make them central to the digital transformation process highlights a collective commitment to using digital technology as a tool for achieving social and economic equity.
In many rural areas, inadequate infrastructure remains a major hurdle. Unreliable internet connectivity makes it challenging for women to access online services, further entrenching the digital divide. Addressing this issue demands a concerted effort to improve infrastructure, ensuring that all communities have access to reliable and affordable internet services.
Policy advocacy is equally crucial in creating an enabling environment for digital inclusion. This involves collaborating with policymakers to develop frameworks that support women’s access to digital technologies and services. By advocating for policies that reduce the cost of mobile devices, enhance digital literacy, and ensure reliable internet connectivity, a more inclusive digital economy becomes attainable.
Economic incentives also play a key role in promoting digital inclusion. Offering installment plans for mobile devices and subsidized data rates can make technology more affordable for women, particularly those in low-income communities. Advancements in mobile technology, user interface design, and service delivery can significantly enhance the ability to connect with and engage women customers.
Partnerships are vital to the success of these efforts. Collaborating with local communities, governments, and private sector enterprises and international organizations will enable leveraging resources and expertise, and amplifying its impact. For instance, we require gender-focused research, the evaluation of strategies to guide further adaptation, user testing of specific approaches, and the sharing of data and insights.
These are the kind of initiatives that private sector enterprises must undertake. The Mobile Internet Skills Training Toolkit (MiSTT), tailored into the local language such as Urdu, is particularly effective. These partnerships are essential for scaling solutions and ensuring that digital inclusion efforts reach all segments of the population.
The broader economic implications: The economic implications of these efforts extend beyond individual empowerment. Closing the gender digital divide will contribute to broader economic growth and stability. When women are digitally included, they are better positioned to participate in the workforce, start businesses, and contribute to their communities’ economic development. This not only boosts their economic security but also drives national economic growth.
Digital inclusion also creates opportunities for future generations. Equipping women with the skills and tools they need to succeed in the digital economy helps build a more resilient and dynamic economy. This long-term perspective is essential for sustainable development, ensuring that economic growth benefits all members of society.
In a rapidly digitizing world, ensuring that women are not left behind is not just a matter of social justice but an economic imperative. Through targeted solutions, strategic partnerships, and policy advocacy, these efforts are laying the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous future. Addressing the unique challenges women face in accessing digital technologies is crucial for fostering a more inclusive economy where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
The writer is an independent journalist from Karachi.