Technology and the internet can be a great enabler for girls but a lack of opportunities, skills and a fear of discrimination prevent many from using and creating digital tools and online content.
To achieve gender equality, girls and young women need equal access to technology, digital training and to be safe online.
What is the digital divide?
The digital divide, or technology gap, is the difference between groups with access to technology and the internet and those without.
Girls and women often have less access to technology and the internet compared to boys and men. Particularly in developing countries, girls and women struggle to afford technology and internet access. In addition, stereotypes around technology being ‘for boys’ and fear of being discriminated against stop girls from using digital tools.
The gender digital divide in access to the internet* remains largest in the world’s least developed countries at 32.9%. The internet gap is largest in Africa, while in terms of mobile phone ownership, the gender digital divide is most pronounced in South Asia where women are 26% less likely to own a mobile phone* than men.
Report: Digital Empowerment of Girls
Despite accumulated efforts of the past 20 years, today's women and girls still face barriers to digital tools and careers.
Our latest report provides recommendations for closing the digital gender gap that will enable girls to participate in and contribute to our increasingly digital future.
