Across low- and middle-income countries, women are less likely than men to own a mobile phone. Even when women own mobile phones, there is a significant gender gap in usage, especially for more transformational services such as mobile internet and mobile money. Mobile phones are valued by women as tools that enhance their lives, making them feel safer, more autonomous and connected. Closing the gender gap in mobile ownership and usage will have wider benefits for society and the economy.

Samidha is from Pugaon village, India. She plays a vital role in her family in taking care of her 5 year old nephew who cannot speak or walk. Find out how Samidha uses mobile to help herself and her family to improve their day-to-day lives.

Nache is from a rural village in Uganda and, while growing up, faced considerable challenges in accessing the resources she needed for an education. Find out how she uses mobile, and in particular mobile money, to empower herself and access life changing opportunities, enabling her to start her own business.

Samidha and Nache are just two of many stories of women in low- and middle-income countries who have been empowered by mobile and have used it to improve their lives.