Accelerating Digital Inclusion for Women

The GSMA Connected Women programme aims to reduce the gender gap in mobile internet and mobile money services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), unlocking significant commercial and socio-economic opportunities in the process. We work with mobile operators and other stakeholders to address the key barriers to women’s access and use of mobile internet and mobile money services, including affordability, knowledge and digital skills, safety and security, access and relevance. 

There remains a significant gender gap in access to and use of mobile phones and mobile internet in (LMICs), where women are around 15% less likely than men to adopt mobile internet. Closing this gender gap in mobile internet adoption is estimated to add $1.3 trillion in additional GDP over the period from 2023 to 2030.

This overview document highlights the opportunity to promote gender equality through mobile technology, examines the specific barriers preventing women’s full participation in the digital world, and provides actionable recommendations for policymakers to help close the mobile gender gap.