By Ivie Ogiemwonyi
The GSMA 2023 Mobile Gender Gap Report reveals a critical issue: women, particularly those in rural areas and with lower education levels, are more likely than men to reduce their mobile internet usage. Women across various regions use their mobile phones for fewer activities and access the internet less frequently than men, drawing attention to a significant gender disparity in digital engagement.
The report shows that 900 million women in low- and middle-income countries are still offline, with nearly two-thirds residing in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Barriers such as limited access to devices, low digital literacy, and cultural norms restricting women’s phone use continue to impede their participation in the digital economy .
To address these challenges, Tech Herfrica is making noble strides. As a leading organization focused on bridging the digital divide, Tech Herfrica empowers rural women across Nigeria and Africa through comprehensive programs. A key component of their strategy is delivering digital literacy and financial education in local languages, ensuring that the training is accessible and relevant to women in their communities.
In addition to educational initiatives, Tech Herfrica’s EquipHer4Growth program plays a crucial role by providing participants with access to smartphones. This program is designed to overcome the barrier of limited device access, equipping women with the tools they need to engage fully in the digital economy.
Tech Herfrica’s innovative chat-based solution, developed in collaboration with Turn.io and supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , offers digital skills training and facilitates e-commerce, financial management, and market access. This solution helps rural women use mobile internet more effectively, addressing issues highlighted in the GSMA report.
Furthermore, Tech Herfrica’s HerLocal Market platform connects women to broader markets, empowering them to participate in trade and e-commerce. By leveraging platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Google My Business, women can grow their businesses and increase their income. The organization also fosters WhatsApp trade groups and peer support networks to encourage regular and meaningful mobile internet use.
Tech Herfrica’s work is transformative, addressing the digital divide by providing women with the confidence and skills to integrate mobile internet into their daily economic activities. This approach not only helps close the gender gap in mobile internet usage but also drives economic empowerment and financial independence for women across Sub-Saharan Africa.
As Tech Herfrica continues to expand its programs, it remains at the forefront of efforts to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria and Africa. By empowering women to participate fully in the digital economy , the organization is creating lasting impact and fostering sustainable development across the continent.
