The Mobile Gender Gap Report 2026

In the last year, the gender gap in mobile internet adoption in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) decreased slightly, continuing a slow but gradual narrowing of the gender gap since 2022. While more women are using mobile internet than ever before, they are 12% less likely than men to use it. This equates to around 200 million fewer women than men using mobile internet. Of the 810 million women who are still unconnected, more than two-thirds live in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The gender gaps in overall mobile ownership and smartphone ownership remained relatively unchanged in 2025, at 7% and 13%, respectively.  

The Mobile Gender Gap Report 2026 explores the latest data on mobile gender gaps, the key barriers preventing women’s equal access to and use of mobile and the actions needed to close the gender gap in mobile internet adoption. It also highlights the socio-economic benefits of addressing these barriers for the mobile industry, the economy and society more broadly, as well as for women themselves.  

Findings from this report are based on results from over 16,000 face-to-face surveys across 14 LMICs, and subsequent modelling and analysis of this survey data.  

The core data from this survey is available on request. Please email connectedwomen@gsma.com.

Register for the upcoming webinar

Join us for a webinar exploring the key findings of The Mobile Gender Gap Report 2026. In this session, Emma Catalfamo, lead author of the report, will present the latest insights on the mobile gender gap. You’ll also hear from the Secretary General of the ITU, the CEO of Ethio telecom and the President of Devices and Sales at Reliance Jio, who will share their perspectives on the findings and discuss concrete actions that can be taken to accelerate digital inclusion for women.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical recommendations on how to help bridge the mobile gender gap and ensure that everyone can benefit from the power of connectivity.

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