In recent years, there have been growing concerns relating to the gender gaps in various sectors, including the digital arena. Latest reports state that women in developing countries are 19% less likely than men to use mobile internet. This trend is of concern because accessing digital technology is vital for ensuring equal opportunities for women, as well as developing a skilled workforce on the labor market. Learn more about the main challenges that hinder women’s access to technology in developing countries and how these issues can be addressed in DevelopmentAid’s latest Experts’ Opinions article.
Key Takeaways:
- OECD statistics show that in the past decade, the proportion of women in ICT specialist roles has grown by just 1% overall.
- Women in developing countries face economic constraints, low literacy levels, socio-cultural barriers, and a lack of skills, which are the main challenges to accessing affordable technology.
- Experts consider that giving women access to technology boosts their economic independence, civic participation, and overall empowerment.
- The main consequences of lacking access to technology for women are unequal employment opportunities, hindered entrepreneurial growth, and limited social empowerment.
DevelopmentAid: What are the main challenges that prevent women in developing countries from accessing affordable technology, and how can these issues be addressed?
“In many countries, both developed and developing, there are significant inequalities in access to affordable technology between men and women. It is important to emphasize that to understand this gap a holistic approach and an intersectional analysis are required, which allows not only for the gap between men and women to be examined but also the gap among women themselves to be analyzed. One of the main barriers to accessing affordable technology is, without a doubt, the cost of this service, as many women face financial constraints and generally have lower income levels than men, limiting their ability to afford mobile phones, internet data, or digital devices. Other barriers are low literacy rates and a lack of digital skills among women, which restricts their ability to use technology effectively. These barriers are not impossible to eliminate, but doing so requires a committed and cross-cutting effort from all three sectors: public, private, and the third sector (NGOs, foundations, and academia) and a deep and collaborative design of this effort with women.”
“Beyond affordability and societal norms, digital media’s reach in developing countries highlights inequalities in digital participation. Women are often limited by entrenched social and economic structures that shape their identities around family obligations rather than digital empowerment. Barriers to access are compounded when digital media is dominated by elites who shape algorithms and discourse, leaving underrepresented groups like women unable to influence the digital landscape. The solutions involve affordable, culturally sensitive digital literacy initiatives that allow women to become active contributors to digital narratives, alongside policies that reduce costs and reshape the norms of technology use.”
“Several barriers hinder women’s access to affordable technology in developing countries, assuming that such digital technology exists in the first place. Financial constraints are a major factor, as lower income levels limit access to devices, data, and reliable internet. Additionally, sociocultural norms can restrict women’s access to digital skills, with families prioritizing access to technology for male members. Low digital literacy also prevents women from benefiting fully from the available technology, as educational gaps reduce familiarity with digital tools. Even when women are digitally literate, they may suffer from time poverty, limiting their use of technology for business or income-generating purposes (or for further self-paced education or skilling). Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. Subsidies, financing options, and public-private partnerships can help to lower costs, making devices and data plans more affordable. Education and training programs that focus on digital skills, particularly those geared toward women, can boost confidence and digital literacy. Furthermore, policies promoting gender equality in tech sectors and communities can challenge restrictive norms. Providing affordable care services would allow women to dedicate some time to paid activities or education, improving their chances of embracing digital technology more. Together, these strategies can empower women to access, afford, and utilize technology, closing the digital divide in developing countries (although the same would be welcome in developed countries).”
“Women in developing countries encounter several significant barriers that hinder their access to affordable technology. One of the primary obstacles is economic inequality, as many women lack the financial resources necessary to purchase devices or internet services. This economic disparity is often compounded by limited access to credit and financial services, making it challenging for women to invest in technology. Cultural and societal norms also play a critical role in restricting women’s access to technology. In many communities, traditional gender roles may discourage women from pursuing education or careers in technology-related fields, leading to a lack of confidence and skills. Furthermore, inadequate infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, results in unreliable internet connectivity and the limited availability of affordable devices. To address these challenges, a multifaceted approach is required. Initiatives that provide financial assistance or microloans specifically for women can help to bridge the economic gap. Additionally, promoting digital literacy programs tailored for women can empower them with the skills needed to navigate technology effectively. Lastly, increasing investment in infrastructure to improve internet access in underserved areas is crucial. By tackling these barriers, we can enhance women’s access to technology and foster greater economic and social empowerment.”
“Some of the barriers are socio-cultural, in terms of gender role in society, low literacy levels, and lack of skills to use technology. The major one, however, is economic constraint. Thus, women in developing countries are limited to household activities and are even prevented from leaving their home without a male partner or family member. Low literacy further prevents women from accessing technology. Likewise, the financial condition and lack of income opportunities make access to technology unaffordable. These issues could be addressed by taking a holistic approach, i.e., a stakeholders’ analysis, keeping in mind each country’s context and providing awareness opportunities, educational and skills opportunities as well as technology that is linked to income generation activities. In each country a technology hub, like a one-stop-shop, could be useful, where both women and men can attend different types of awareness sessions on technology, use, and affordability and, most importantly, one that is linked to the income generation activities.”
“Women, especially those living in developing countries, face many competing priorities as far as their income is concerned, making “affordable” technology out of their reach. Women spend more time performing unpaid care work which means that even their earning capacity is compromised. In cases where technology is “affordable”, women are often disadvantaged by illiteracy as a result of the patriarchal nature of especially African societies which make education a “luxury” not afforded to African woman. Cultural constraints in some instances also prevent some women from accessing technology as they are usually restricted from doing so by societal demands. These barriers can be addressed by empowering women education-wise to improve their literacy levels, improving their knowledge and confidence in making use of technology as well as increasing their earning capacity in order for them to access the technology.”
“In developing nations, the gender digital divide remains a significant barrier to women’s participation in the digital economy. Key obstacles include affordability, digital literacy, restrictive social norms, safety concerns, and content relevance. Many women, especially in rural areas, cannot afford digital devices and internet access. Furthermore, limited digital literacy affects their confidence and ability to navigate technology effectively. Deep-rooted social norms continue to reinforce this gap.”
“Closing a long list of gender gaps remains a challenge as we approach 2030. Although progress can be seen in some areas (education, political participation and health), the economic empowerment of women remains a challenge as one in every 10 women is living in extreme poverty. In a new, digital age, the empowerment of women is closely linked to their equal access to technology and participation in the digital economy. When looking into the root causes of the gender digital divide, one should never underestimate the impact of social norms: ‘what a girl/woman should/should not do’. These norms influence girls’ vocational orientation (resulting in underrepresentation in STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – schools), and their career development once they opt for a ‘male job’. Women who work in the IT sector are at a risk of being discriminated against, harassed, and paid less than their male colleagues. The closing of the digital divide depends on a number of factors, but one is in common with all other gender gaps: the change of social norms and stereotypes.”
“In developing countries, multiple barriers exist, including economic constraints, lower levels of literacy and digital skills, and more restrictive social norms discouraging their engagement with technology, which deters women from acquiring affordable access to it. Overcoming these barriers is vital as unequal access to the digital world seriously deprives women of economic opportunities and their empowerment. It only serves to keep people trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty and further bars women from taking part in the digital economy. Therefore, it is essential to bring about targeted interventions such as subsidized internet access and tailor-made digital literacy programs that could promote gender equality and empower women in the digital landscape.”
“Women in low-income countries such as Cameroon face significant barriers to accessing affordable technology. These include the high costs of devices and data bundles, limited digital literacy, and societal norms that hinder their access to devices and the internet. These challenges are further compounded by inadequate infrastructure and limited financial resources as many live below the poverty line and can barely afford food, particularly women who often serve as the family head and breadwinner.”
DevelopmentAid: What are the consequences of limited access to technology for women in developing countries, and how does this affect their economic and overall empowerment?
“Limited access to technology keeps women away from access to opportunities, new trends, online services, education, and jobs, as well as economic emancipation, amongst other things. It basically keeps women in the dark, and they miss out on opportunities to develop themselves, their families, and their communities. Women in developing countries are in most cases responsible for the well-being, nurturing, and grooming of families and their limited access to technology also limits the access and exposure of their families to technology. When women lack access to technology, it also affects the amount and quality of knowledge that they will be exposed to which also cascades to the entire community. If women lack knowledge exposure it means that they will not be able to compete for education and other economic opportunities with men thereby leaving them being perpetual marginalized. This may be reflected in the low levels of economic development of those countries where women lack exposure to technology.”
“Today, in a world where technology is used to share information, communicate, work, and even apply for public funds, access to technology plays a crucial role in promoting diverse opportunities. Limited access to technology significantly reduces these opportunities. Economically, restricted access limits participation in the digital economy, where sending an email or responding to a survey is often essential for job prospects. Likewise, educational opportunities are also diminished, as online courses offering certifications for career advancement are out of reach without access. The gender digital divide in developing countries therefore has far-reaching consequences. Closing this gap requires both infrastructural investments and policy changes that focus on affordability, skills training, and social norms to foster women’s digital inclusion, ultimately enhancing their empowerment, economic participation, and contributions to society.”
“Limited digital access for women increases economic divides by restricting their employment, entrepreneurial activities, and participation in the digital economy. Women’s lack of digital visibility and voice amplifies the “have and have-not” divide seen in transnational communications and movements, where only those with digital access can engage in collective identity formation or advocacy. This further limits social empowerment as women without access miss vital opportunities to build community, share experiences, and access support networks. Addressing these gaps requires not only enabling digital skills for economic activities but also fostering inclusive digital spaces where women can participate in meaningful dialogue and decision-making, breaking cycles of gender-based exclusion.”
“This digital divide restricts access to online markets, job and education opportunities, and financial services, limiting women’s ability to start or grow businesses, access remote work, or secure well-paid jobs. The effects on empowerment are profound: restricted tech access reinforces gender inequalities by preventing women from accessing self-expression, networking, and advocacy platforms. This exclusion from the digital world keeps them marginalized in decision-making spaces and reduces their visibility in areas like entrepreneurship and innovation. To break this cycle, it is essential to bridge the technology gap, which can enhance women’s agency, increase job prospects, and promote greater social and political influence in their communities. Empowering women to embrace digital technology thus creates pathways to broader empowerment and leadership.”
“The consequences of limited technology access for Cameroonian women like others in sub Saharan Africa are far-reaching. It restricts their ability to take advantage of existing economic opportunities, limiting their capacity to participate in the digital economy and access online markets. In addition, it hinders their empowerment by reducing their access to information, education especially online learning, and healthcare services. To address these challenges, targeted interventions are necessary. These include subsidizing internet access and devices, providing digital literacy training and mainstreaming it in all policies and laws as well as programs and interventions promoting gender equality, and investing in infrastructure development particularly in grassroots communities. To bridge the digital divide and unlock women’s full potential so they can contribute to the overall economic and social development of these communities, women must be empowered with digital skills and access to technology.”
“When women lack access to digital tools, they miss out on crucial information and resources that could improve their livelihoods. For example, female farmers may struggle to access weather forecasts or market prices, which can lead to poor decision-making and lower crop yields. Moreover, technology barriers impede women’s ability to gain new skills and education. Without access to online learning platforms, women may find it challenging to develop skills that are increasingly required in the job market, such as digital literacy or technical expertise. This gap can perpetuate economic disparities, as women remain confined to low-paid jobs with limited growth potential. Furthermore, limited technology access restricts women’s participation in social and political spheres. Many women may be unaware of their rights or be unable to engage in community discussions and advocacy due to a lack of connectivity. This exclusion further entrenches gender inequalities and diminishes their ability to influence decisions that affect their lives. In conclusion, addressing the barriers to technology access for women is essential for promoting economic empowerment and achieving gender equality in developing countries.”
“Women’s limited access to technology has significant consequences in the context of economic opportunities and overall empowerment. The most important ones are women being left behind in learning new digital skills, having no access to higher education, and no access to good economic and entrepreneurial opportunities. Technology provides the opportunity to use digital skills-based programs and online resources and an entry to world exploration. In many countries, women are restricted to running small businesses whereas access to technology opens the door for them to start an online business, gives them access to markets, financial services and the ability to expand their business ventures. Limited access to technology also affects overall empowerment. Women are not aware of their social and human rights, they remain unaware of the income opportunities which continue their economic dependency and empowerment as a whole. This further limits women’s civic participation in politics, and erodes women rights etc. Technology provides opportunities for women to participate in and collaborate on various on-line and digital platforms and make their voice heard. Women’s access to technology in developing countries would greatly contribute to gender equality, income generation, more civic participation and overall empowerment for women.”
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