In an epoch where digital connectivity is crucial for economic participation and social inclusion, a new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reveals women’s significant obstacles in accessing the digital world.
The report highlights that women, especially in low- and middle-income countries, struggle with issues like obtaining formal identification, owning mobile phones, and acquiring digital skills, which are essential for full participation in the digital economy.
The CSIS report emphasizes a persistent gender gap in digital access, noting that women are disproportionately affected by barriers that prevent them from engaging in the digital ecosystem.
One of the most pressing issues is the lack of formal identification, which is vital for activities such as registering mobile SIM cards, accessing digital services, and opening bank accounts. Women are less likely to have government-issued IDs, particularly in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where cultural and social norms restrict their mobility and access to administrative services.
The report aligns with findings from the World Bank, which identifies limited financial literacy, a lack of identity documents, and cultural constraints as significant obstacles for women in accessing financial products. The absence of formal identification leaves approximately 850 million people worldwide without official IDs, with women constituting a large portion of this group.
Mobile phones, often considered the gateway to the digital world, also present challenges. Even when women have access to mobile phones and the internet, a lack of digital skills hinders their full participation in the digital economy. The consequences of this digital gender divide are far-reaching, limiting women’s access to job opportunities, financial services, and entrepreneurial avenues.
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The report estimates that closing the gender gap in digital access could boost global GDP by $1.5 trillion by 2025. However, achieving this requires a collective effort from governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations to dismantle the structural barriers that impede women’s digital inclusion.
To address these challenges, the CSIS report offers several policy recommendations, including improving women’s access to formal identification, promoting affordable and safe mobile phone ownership, and investing in digital literacy and skills training programs for women and girls. These measures, the report suggests, are critical for bridging the digital gender divide and ensuring that women can fully participate in the digital economy.
