Addressing the gender gap in technology adoption in India

Handset Affordability, Digital Literacy and safety and security concerns remains the key barriers in adoption of mobile internet.

India, like many other countries, faces a gender gap in technology adoption. While the country has made significant strides in the technology sector, there are still disparities between men and women in terms of access to and use of technology.

One of the most common forms of technology in today's time is mobile usage and mobile internet adoption and according to GSMA’s Mobile Gender Gap Report 2023: While more women have started to use Mobile Internet, rate of adoption is still very low. Significant Gender Gap remains - Women are 19% less likely than men to use mobile internet. Almost two-thirds of 900 Mn women not using mobile internet lives in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Talking specifically of the South Asian region, the report highlights that Proportion of women who used mobile internet in 2017 accounted for 18% which increased to 47% in 2022. Gender gap in mobile internet use was 66% in 2017 which reduced to 41% in 2022, and the No. of women not using mobile internet in 2017 was 470 Million which came down to 345 million by 2022.

Whereas, mobile ownership rate of women accounted for 62% in 2017 and 77% in 2022. Gender gap in mobile ownership was 26% in 2017 which reduced to 15% in 2022. Lastly, the number of women who do not own a mobile phone was 220 million in 2017 which declined to 145 million in 2022.

In India, the gender gap in mobile ownership according to the report remains at 11% in 2022, the gender gap in smartphone ownership accounts for 40% and gender gap in mobile internet is also 40%. Mobile internet adoption in India narrowed significantly from 8% women in 2017 to 31% women adopting mobile internet in 2022 whereas the number of men stands at 26% in 2017 to 52% in 2022, but mobile internet adoption stalled among women and remains at 30% for the third consecutive year. As a result, the gender gap in mobile internet remains relatively unchanged since it widened last year, standing at 40%.

HandsetAffordability, Digital Literacy and safety and security concerns remains the key barriers in adoption of mobile internet.

Here are some key aspects of the gender gap in technology adoption in India:

1. Access to technology: There is a digital divide in India, with women facing barriers to accessing technology. Factors such as limited availability of devices, lack of internet connectivity, and affordability issues contribute to this gap. In rural areas and among lower-income groups, women often have limited access to smartphones, computers, and the internet.
2. Digital literacy and skills: Women in India, particularly in rural areas, tend to have lower levels of digital literacy and skills compared to men. This can be attributed to factors such as limited educational opportunities, cultural norms, and societal expectations that prioritize traditional gender roles. Lack of digital skills can hinder women's ability to fully participate in the digital economy and leverage technology for personal and professional development.
3. Gender stereotypes and biases: Gender stereotypes and biases prevalent in Indian society can impact women's engagement with technology. There is a perception that technology-related fields are more suitable for men, which can discourage women from pursuing careers in these areas. Societal expectations and traditional gender roles can also limit women's confidence and interest in adopting and using technology.
4. Online safety and harassment: Women in India face unique challenges related to online safety and harassment. Cyberbullying, stalking, and online harassment can deter women from actively participating in digital platforms and expressing their views online. Concerns about privacy and security can also contribute to lower levels of technology adoption among women.
5. Representation in the technology sector: Women are underrepresented in the technology sector in India. This underrepresentation starts at the educational level, where fewer women choose to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The lack of female role models and limited opportunities for career advancement can further discourage women from entering and staying in the technology sector.

Addressing the gender gap in technology adoption in India requires comprehensive efforts. This includes improving access to technology and internet connectivity, promoting digital literacy and skills training programs for women, challenging gender stereotypes, and fostering a safe and inclusive online environment. Additionally, initiatives that encourage girls and women to pursue STEM education and careers in technology can help bridge the gender gap in the sector.

It's important to recognize that closing the gender gap is a complex and long-term endeavor. A comprehensive and sustained approach that addresses the socio-economic, cultural, and systemic barriers faced by women in accessing mobile internet is necessary to achieve significant progress.