2023-06-20-GSMA-2023年移动性别差距报告_65页_6mb

The Mobile Gender Gap Report 2023 Summary

Introduction & Key Findings

• Digital inclusion is stalling: Progress on closing the gender gap in mobile internet adoption has stagnated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with adoption rates slowing amid a global economic crisis.
• Women remain significantly underserved: At 61% mobile internet usage, women are 19% less likely than men to use mobile internet, leaving 310 million fewer women connected compared to men.
• Regional disparities persist: South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa have the widest gaps, with India’s role driving the issue, and mobile ownership gaps have seen minimal change since 2017.
• Slowing growth threatens global goals: Digital exclusion risks exacerbating economic inequalities and missed opportunities, with an estimated $700B GDP loss potential if the gap remains unchanged.

Slowing Adoption Rates

• Women’s adoption slowed for two consecutive years, reversing prior progress.
• Affordability and literacy remain top barriers, especially for those offline, with handsets being too expensive and entry-level devices representing 25% of women’s monthly income in LMICs.
• Usage patterns differ: Once online, women are less likely than men to use mobile internet daily or engage in diverse use cases, limiting digital empowerment.

Understanding Barriers to Mobile Internet Adoption

Gender-Specific Challenges Addressed:

• Safety and security are significant barriers, especially in Latin America where women face unwanted contact.
• Family approval and content relevance block uptake in markets like Pakistan.
• Digital literacy remains critical, with 48% of women lacking basic digital skills in India.

Recommendations for Stakeholders

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Companies

• Offer affordable smartphones, design gender-sensitive interfaces, and create relevant content for women.
• Leverage female agents and community networks to improve access and reduce digital divides.

Policymakers and Regulators

• Eliminate discriminatory policies affecting women’s access to finance and technology.
• Bridge gaps through inclusive education policies and support affordable connectivity and mobile-based finance initiatives.

Development Community

• Focus on women-led savings groups and mobile literacy campaigns to empower usage.
• Align development projects with women’s priorities for health, education, and income generation.

Recommendations by Stakeholder Type:

Conclusion

Achieving the Mobile Gender Gap closure requires strategic collaboration and targeted interventions, addressing affordability, literacy, access, and safety barriers. Companies, governments, and societies must unite to unlock the $230B revenue opportunity for the mobile industry while unlocking socio-economic empowerment for women globally.