Women and Mobile: A Global Opportunity
A ground-breaking report published in 2010, quantifying the gender gap in mobile technology across developing countries.
The Cherie Blair Foundation and GSMA Development Fund published a ground-breaking report in February 2010, quantifying the gender gap in mobile technology across developing countries – Women & Mobile: A Global Opportunity. The report shows that, by extending the benefits of mobile phone ownership to more women, a host of social and economic goals can be advanced, but 300 million women are missing out on the mobile revolution. This translates to a $13bn revenue opportunity for mobile operators.
Key Findings
- There are 300 million fewer female subscribers than male subscribers worldwide.
- This translates to a $13bn revenue opportunity for mobile operators.
- A woman is 21% less likely to own a phone than a man in low and middle-income countries.
- 93% of women reported feeling safer because of their mobile phone.
- 85% of women reported feeling more independent because of their mobile phones.
Key Recommendations
Mobile Telecommunications Industry:
- Specifically address women in segmentation strategies and marketing tactics
- Position the phone as a life enhancing and income-generating tool
- Understand and operate within the local culture
- Leverage alternative financing mechanisms and channels
Development Community:
- Leverage alternative financing mechanisms and channels
- Create innovative programmes to increase the uptake of mobile phones amongst women
- Promote the mobile phone as an effective development tool which creates education, health, employment, banking and business opportunities
- Help identify culturally relevant and acceptable ways of promoting mobile phone ownership amongst women
Policymakers:
- Shift the tax burden away from the poorest in society of which women are the majority
- Create incentives for the development of mobile services that benefit women
All Stakeholders:
- Collaborate for maximum impact
- Designate high-profile champions of mobile phones for women
- Conduct further research to advance understanding of women and mobile phones
Be part of the change
Since 2008, we’ve directly supported over 175,000 women through our programmes to grow and strengthen their businesses, and in turn support their families and communities. We’re also making strides through our advocacy work to change the global landscape for the better so women entrepreneurs everywhere can thrive well into the future. You can be part of this fantastic change: join our 100,000 Women Campaign as a partner, ally or supporter today.
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