Mobile access and use remain unequal. Women are still less likely than men to have access to mobile phones, mobile internet and other mobile services. This is especially true for the most underserved women, including those who have low literacy levels, have low incomes, live in a rural area or have a disability.
In 2017, Millicom launched the Conectadas programme to reduce the gender digital divide in mobile internet usage. It provides digital literacy and entrepreneurship training to women and adolescent girls in Latin America, creating a springboard for social and economic opportunities.
By providing digital training on topics such as social media and personal finance, as well as digital tools in all nine countries where it operates, Millicom aims to empower women with the benefits of technology and the internet. The operator has also launched a free digital platform to offer further educational opportunities.
In 2023, the company committed to educating 99,000 women. The operator has surpassed this goal, already educating more than 170,000 women and girls. Millicom has now committed to educating an additional 100,000 women and girls in 2024 and in 2025.
