2026年移动性别差距报告_69页_12mb

The Mobile Gender Gap Report 2026 Summary

Core Content

The GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2026 provides an in-depth analysis of the gender gap in mobile internet access and usage in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The report highlights the progress made in reducing this gap, while also identifying persistent challenges and regional disparities.

Main Findings

Mobile Internet Adoption Gap

• In 2025, the gender gap in mobile internet adoption decreased slightly to 12%, continuing a slow narrowing since 2022.
• 65% of women in LMICs now use mobile internet, compared to 74% of men.
• Around 200 million fewer women than men use mobile internet.
• Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia show the most significant progress in reducing the gender gap, with declines to 26% and 25%, respectively.
• The gender gap is 2–3 times wider in rural areas than in urban areas.
• Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) have the widest gender gaps, with LDCs at 33% and LLDCs at 23%.

Smartphone Ownership Gap

• The gender gap in smartphone ownership remains at 13%, with 64% of women owning a smartphone versus 73% of men.
• Around 210 million fewer women than men own a smartphone.
• The gap is wider in regions with larger gender gaps in mobile internet adoption, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Mobile Ownership Gap

• The gender gap in mobile phone ownership is 7%, with 84% of women owning a mobile phone versus 73% of men.
• Approximately 385 million women in LMICs still do not own a mobile phone.
• South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa account for more than two-thirds of these women.

Key Insights

Perceived Impact of Mobile Internet

• Most mobile internet users (both men and women) report that it has improved or had no impact on their livelihoods and income.
• Women in Sub-Saharan Africa are more likely to report that mobile internet has improved their livelihoods and income.

Barriers to Adoption and Use

• The top barriers to mobile internet adoption among aware women are affordability (handsets) and literacy/digital skills.
• For existing users, the top barriers to further use are safety and security concerns, affordability (data and handsets), and connectivity experience.
• Social norms and structural inequalities (such as lower education and income) make women more vulnerable to these barriers.

Use Cases

• Communication and entertainment are the most popular use cases for both men and women.
• Women are less likely to use mobile internet for a broader range of purposes than men.

Recommendations

• Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) should focus on affordability, literacy programs, and targeting underserved women.
• Policymakers and regulators should support gender-inclusive policies and digital infrastructure.
• The development community should invest in digital literacy initiatives and access to affordable devices and data.
• Stakeholders should collaborate to ensure equal access and leverage the socio-economic benefits of mobile internet for women.

Methodology and Data Sources

• The report is based on the GSMA Consumer Survey, which included 16,000 respondents from 14 LMICs.
• Ipsos conducted the fieldwork for this study.
• The gender gap is calculated using the formula:
  Gender gap in ownership/use (%) = (Male owners/users % – Female owners/users %).
• Modelled data and survey results are used to calculate regional and subgroup averages.
• The report includes new breakdowns of the mobile gender gap by urban and rural areas, LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS.

Stakeholders and Funding

• The report is funded by the UK International Development, Sweden Sida, and the Gates Foundation.
• Ipsos is the fieldwork partner, but not responsible for the analysis or conclusions.
• Lead author: Emma Catalfamo
• Contributors: Kalvin Bahia, Evie Gilbert, Abi Gleek, Boralba Kapllani, Rosie Leary, Dominica Lindsey, Claire Sibthorpe, Jakub Zagdanski

Conclusion

The mobile gender gap in LMICs remains a significant challenge, but there is slight progress in closing it. Women are still less likely to own smartphones and use mobile internet than men, and the gap is wider in rural areas and LDCs/LLDCs. Addressing these gaps is essential for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and realizing the economic and social benefits of mobile technology.