Technological Access and Digital Inclusion of Women in Pakistan

In today's rapidly advancing world, access to technology and digital resources is crucial for socioeconomic development. However, in many parts of the world, including Pakistan, women face significant barriers to digital inclusion. Addressing these challenges is essential for fostering gender equality and enabling women to participate fully in the digital economy.

There is a huge digital divide. Digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technologies and those who do not. In Pakistan, this divide is particularly pronounced for women due to various social, cultural, and economic factors. According to recent statistics, women's internet usage in Pakistan is significantly lower than that of men, with only about 23% of women having access to the internet compared to 43% of men.

Let's highlight on Percentage of Women using internet; According to the Inclusive Internet Index 2022, Pakistan has a 67.5 percent gender gap in access to the internet, and 44.7 percent gender gap in mobile phone access. 1. Women in Pakistan are also 48 percent less likely to own a mobile phone than men, and 49 percent less likely to use mobile internet. 2.Only 26 percent of women in Pakistan have internet access compared to 47 percent of men. 3 Women in rural area have even less access to the internet, with only 7% of women in rural areas having access to the internet compared to 20% of men in rural areas.

If we take a look at the Digital Literacy; Pakistan’s gender gap in mobile ownership stands at 33%, while the gender gap in mobile internet usage is 38%. The primary factors contributing to these disparities include the lack of family approval (35%) and low levels of literacy and digital skills (23%). Notably at Provincial level, in Baluchistan, only 16% of females are mobile phone users, while in KP, this percentage rises to 37%. Without urgent action to address this digital divide, Pakistan will lag behind in economic development.

If we look into the Participation of Women in Tech Industry; Women represent 14% of the workforce in the tech industry in Pakistan. The total percentage of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan is 1%. Of this value, less than 20% are engaged in the IT sector.

Several factors contribute to the limited technological access for women in Pakistan:

1. Cultural Norms and Gender Roles: Traditional gender roles often prioritize men’s access to technology over women’s. In many households, boys are given priority when it comes to using computers or accessing the internet.
2. Financial Constraints: Economic barriers are significant, as many families cannot afford multiple devices or internet connections. When resources are limited, boys are often favored for educational and technological investments.
3. Educational Disparities: Lower literacy rates among women further hinder their ability to utilize digital tools effectively. In rural areas, girls’ education is often deprioritized, limiting their opportunities to develop digital skills.
4. Safety and Security Concerns: Women and girls face higher risks of online harassment and abuse, discouraging them from participating in digital spaces. The fear of cyberbullying and privacy breaches can prevent women from exploring technological opportunities.

We need to talk more about the Impact of Technology on Women’s Lives in a Positive way some of the Impacts are

1.Economic Empowerment: Economic Inclusion includes

i. Financial Inclusion: Digital technologies have the potential to promote financial inclusion and women's economic empowerment. Digital platforms can help women access financial services, which are crucial for economic activities, such as savings, loans, and insurance​.

ii. Job Opportunities: Technology has introduced new, flexible job opportunities that can increase women's participation in the labor market. This can lead to better, more formal employment options for women.

2.Education and Skill Development

i. Online Education: The growth of online education in Pakistan has opened up new opportunities for women to pursue higher education and advanced degrees without leaving their homes or communities. This is particularly important in areas where women face socio-cultural and mobility barriers to accessing education​.

ii. Skill Acquisition: Online learning platforms allow women to acquire new skills and knowledge, which can improve their career prospects and lead to higher salaries. This helps women take on leadership roles, start businesses, and contribute to the economic and social development of the country​.

3.Social and Personal Impact

i. Empowerment: Access to digital technology can empower women by improving their social and economic status. Digital communication tools can enhance women's ability to connect with others, access information, and participate in social and political activities​.

ii. Technology-Facilitated Violence: A significant concern is technology-facilitated gender-based violence, with many women reporting online harassment or violence, including cyberstalking and revenge porn. This can lead to women's exclusion from digital platforms, further widening the digital divide​.

Closing the digital divide and ensuring digital inclusion for women in Pakistan is not just a matter of equity but also a catalyst for economic growth and social development. By addressing the barriers and fostering an environment that supports women’s access to technology, Pakistan can unlock the potential of millions of women, driving progress and innovation in the digital age.