Why closing the gender digital divide unlocks opportunity for all

Daily Maverick

16-05-2025

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, celebrated annually on 17 May, shines a spotlight on a critical issue this year: gender equality in digital transformation. The stark reality, as highlighted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2024, is that the majority of the 2.6 billion people still unconnected are women and girls. This digital divide is not just a gap in access; it is a chasm that separates men and women in their ability to leverage digital technologies for progress and empowerment.
While billions globally rely on the internet and mobile technologies daily, millions of young girls and women, especially in developing countries, remain offline due to issues of affordability and low levels of literacy and digital skills. This exclusion is not just a matter of inequality; it is a barrier to social and economic advancement and growth. When women and girls are unable to access to digital solutions, they are cut off from a gateway to vital information, educational resources, job and business opportunities, health information, and financial literacy. This digital exclusion perpetuates economic disparities, leaving women earning less than their male counterparts and limiting their potential.
The consequences extend beyond individual livelihoods. The absence of women and girls in the digital realm means their perspectives and needs are often ignored in the design and development of technology. The ITU highlights that women are significantly underrepresented in executive positions, as ICT entrepreneurs, and in high-level science and technology policymaking. This lack of representation stifles innovation and perpetuates a cycle of exclusion.
Addressing the gender digital divide is a moral imperative and, importantly, it is a business and social necessity. The Mobile Gender Gap Report (GSMA, 2025) highlights that closing the mobile internet gender gap could result in an additional $1.3 trillion in global GDP before 2030.Women, particularly in underserved and rural areas, face systemic barriers to connectivity, including digital literacy gaps and limited access. By investing in targeted initiatives like digital skills training, we can empower millions to participate fully in the digital economy. Promoting gender representation in the tech industry amplifies impact and ensures that digital inclusion strategies are both gender-responsive and sustainable.
Vodacom's Code Like a Girl Programme exemplifies this commitment. This initiative teaches coding skills to girls aged 14-18, building their confidence and digital literacy from an early age. By connecting them with passionate mentors, we encourage them to pursue ICT and STEM subjects, opening doors to future opportunities. Since its launch in South Africa in 2017, almost 23 000 young girls have benefited from this programme.
Mobile technologies like M-Pesa also play a crucial role in empowering women economically. In the DRC, our Je Suis Cap initiative has trained and empowered 2,164women with disabilities to become M-Pesa agents, allowing them to run their own businesses and achieve financial independence.
Within our industry, fostering greater gender representation requires embedding inclusion at every level, from recruitment to leadership development. At Vodacom, we have set measurable diversity targets, ensured equitable hiring practices, and actively address unconscious bias. Mentorship programmes for women in tech, especially in STEM roles, help build a strong pipeline of female talent. Flexible work arrangements, parental support policies, and safe, inclusive work environments enable more women to reach their potential and lead.
As we mark World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, Vodacom reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive digital society. When women and girls are connected, skilled, and represented in the digital world, everyone benefits. Inclusive digital transformation unlocks new ideas, strengthens economies, and creates a more equitable future for all. It is time to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age. DM
Author: Stephen Chege, Chief Regulatory and External Affairs Officer