In 2010, we highlighted the lack of gender equality in mobile ownership across developing countries, putting this issue on the international agenda for the very first time. We also identified that addressing this mobile gender gap would result in significant socio-economic opportunities. The Connected Women programme was launched to increase mobile access and usage by resource-poor women in low-and middle-income countries.

Over the last decade, we have worked to accelerate digital and financial inclusion for women through many projects and initiatives, working closely with mobile operators, policymakers and the international community. In this 10 year anniversary video, we celebrate the progress and achievements that have been made so far.

We also recognise that there is still a long way to go. Our new Mobile Gender Gap Report 2020 has revealed that despite significant increases in access, women are still 8% less likely than men to own a mobile, and 20% less likely to use mobile internet. Continuing to address the mobile gender gap will bring benefits to society, the economy and to individual women and families, while also contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Read our accompanying blog in which we further reflect on the progress of the last 10 years of the Connected Women programme.