Despite progress in recent years, the digital gender divide persists, with women in low- and middle-income countries being 15 percent less likely than men to use mobile internet. Closing this digital gender gap in access and use of digital technologies is critical for inclusive development. Digital technologies can facilitate access to education and information, expand economic opportunities, and help women overcome mobility constraints.
The World Bank is committed to advancing gender equality and empowerment across several key areas, aligning its efforts with the World Bank Group’s Gender Strategy and its goal of enabling 300 million more women to use broadband Internet by 2030.
Gender-intentional initiatives to reach this target include private sector-led investments in foundational digital infrastructure through loans with gender inclusion KPIs; providing last-mile connectivity in safe community locations tailored for women; exploring consumer financing options for smartphones and low-cost devices to support low income and unbanked women; collaborating with technology companies and digital platforms to promote equal access and usage while integrating online safety measures; and designing digital skills training programs especially for underserved women and girls to address constraints, such as costs, transportation, and caregiving responsibilities. These training programs aim to enhance women’s access to digital jobs.
Our newly launched Digital Empowerment and Equity Program (DEEP), in collaboration with the Gates Foundation and other partners, is to scale and accelerate our progress toward digital inclusion, particularly in low-income countries.
These efforts aim to create a digital ecosystem where women can fully participate, innovate, and thrive. By addressing structural inequities and prioritizing women’s unique needs, the World Bank fosters inclusive economies and societies where digital transformation becomes a catalyst for gender equality and shared prosperity.