WTD 2025: Bridging digital gender divide for inclusive future for India
Over the past two decades, the telecom sector has transformed the social and economic fabric of the country, serving as a powerful engine for empowerment and inclusive growth. From urban hubs to the remotest corners of rural India, telecom networks have not only connected people but have also acted as catalysts for social transformation, especially for women and marginalized communities.
As we celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) with the theme, 'Gender equality in digital transformation', it is an opportunity to reflect on the telecom sector's role in narrowing the
digital gender divide
and also to chart the path forward for accelerating true digital inclusion.
The Digital Gender Divide: A Stark Reality
While digital innovations are unlocking unprecedented opportunities, the full potential of this transformation remains constrained by persistent gender gaps in digital access, participation and leadership. GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2023 underscores this challenge. It says although global internet use has risen steadily, gender disparities persist. In 2023, 70% of men worldwide accessed the internet compared to just 65% of women.
Telecom's Role in Driving Access and Empowerment
India's telecom revolution, powered by progressive policy frameworks, continued investment and technological innovation, has played a central role in democratizing access to digital tools. The rollout of affordable mobile services and data plans, spearheaded by both private and public telecom operators, has brought internet access within the reach for millions of citizens who were previously excluded.
Flagship initiatives like
Digital India
have further deepened this impact by acting as a catalyst to drive universal digital literacy and boost internet penetration across rural and semi-urban areas. Telecom companies have been key enablers of these goals, providing extensive network infrastructure and developing tailored solutions that make digital access affordable and inclusive.
Women-Centric Telecom Initiatives
India's commitment to digital inclusion is reflected in a range of ambitious Government initiatives that have empowered women to contribute towards the digital economy. Key initiatives under Digital India include the following:
Prime Minister's Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA): Under the PMGDISHA, over 60 million rural citizens, mostly women, have been equipped with essential digital literacy skills, enabling them to access online services and opportunities.
Common Service Centres (CSCs): The network of CSCs has seen remarkable success, with 67,000 women entrepreneurs — known as Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) — operating digital service centers that bring critical e-governance, financial and educational services to underserved communities.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): The ABDM is further bridging gaps in healthcare by enabling digital health records and telemedicine, ensuring more equitable healthcare access.
The SANKALP Hubs for Women Empowerment: SANKALP hubs are active across 742 districts in 35 States and Union Territories, offering targeted skilling, mentoring and entrepreneurial support to enhance women's participation in the workforce and digital ecosystem.
BharatNet: Backed by telecom companies, this national broadband initiative has connected thousands of gram panchayats, providing women-led self-help groups and entrepreneurs with new platforms for financial inclusion, health services and e-governance.
In addition to these, several telecom-led programs aimed at improving digital access and skills among women have been conducted in recent years.
Internet Saathi: A collaborative effort between Google and Tata Trusts, supported by telecom operators, trained over 30 million women in rural India on how to access and use the internet, creating a massive impact by improving digital literacy within communities.
Customized Digital Literacy Campaigns: Telecom operators have also introduced localized campaigns to address gender-specific challenges, offering vernacular content, mobile financial literacy and safety tools that enable women to navigate the digital landscape with greater confidence.
Digital Platforms Unlocking New Work Opportunities
The shift towards ICT-enabled services and digital platforms has opened new employment avenues for women. Telecom networks have laid the foundation for online work, which offer flexible, remote career options, especially useful for women constrained by mobility or family responsibilities. The growth of digital commerce and social media has brought several entrepreneurial opportunities, which are reshaping the participation of women in the country's economy. Moreover, mobile-based financial services have empowered women to gain greater control over their earnings and financial decisions, accelerating their journey toward economic independence.
Building the Future: The Road Ahead
While significant progress has been made, the path to true digital gender equality requires sustained efforts. The telecom sector plays a major role in this mission. Expanding digital literacy initiatives through local partnerships can create grassroots impact. Equally crucial is the need to innovate around affordable access, developing inclusive pricing models and low-cost devices that make digital connectivity universally attainable. Lastly, close collaboration with policymakers is essential to establish gender-responsive frameworks that not only advance women's digital inclusion but also ensure transparent progress tracking. Together, these efforts will help build a more inclusive digital future, where every woman has the tools and opportunities to thrive.
(DISCLAIMER: Views expressed are the author's own.)
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