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Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
India's telecom sector as champion of digital equality
Telecommunication services have emerged as a truly transformative force today. This has not only changed the way we interact with one another but have also contributed to the creation of a digitally connected society. Although this digital transformation is occurring at a rapid pace, a large section of women, especially in rural areas, still remain untouched by its benefits. While it has enabled more women to access education, acquire skills, take up entrepreneurship and become self-sufficient, the digital gender gap remains a serious concern that needs to be addressed promptly. According to the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2023, women in India are 30% less likely than men to use mobile internet-a gap wider than the global average of 19%. More than a third of Indian women who own a mobile phone still do not use it to access the internet. This highlights a deeper challenge that access isn't just about infrastructure, but also about empowering women with the knowledge, tools and freedom to go online. These barriers to digital inclusion for women in India are complex and deeply rooted. Affordability remains a significant challenge; only about 20% of girls aged 14-18 in rural areas own a smartphone, compared to nearly 44% of boys in the same age group, reflecting how women are often deprioritised for device access within households. Digital literacy also lags behind given that just one in three women in India have ever used the internet, compared to 57% of men, with urban-rural divides further widening this gap. India's telecom revolution has delivered far more than just faster speeds. With a combination of policy support, sustained investments and homegrown innovation, the sector has worked to make digital tools more accessible and affordable. Competitive tariffs, low-cost data plans and the widespread availability of mobile services have helped bring millions of previously disconnected citizens online. Even the government's vision of Digital India has provided a major push in expanding internet access and digital literacy, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. However, this would not have been possible without the efforts of telecom operators, who have not only built the physical infrastructure but also created practical, scalable solutions to help bridge the digital divide. India's digital journey is fundamentally about enhancing lives, with women emerging as key agents of change. The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) has been instrumental in this transformation, providing digital literacy training to over 63.9 million rural residents between 2017 and 2024, it has helped over 60 million rural citizens, mostly women, pick up basic digital skills that let them access services, find opportunities, and connect with the world. A significant example of grassroots digital empowerment is the network of more than 67,000 women entrepreneurs managing Common Service Centres (CSCs) across India. These aren't just access points, they're change agents. But the story doesn't stop there. Telecom companies have also stepped up with customised digital literacy campaigns, offering content in local languages, mobile money know-how and tools that help women stay safe online. Add to this the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, SANKALP hubs across all districts, and BharatNet's high-speed connectivity in gram panchayats, and you see a full-circle approach. These efforts aren't just about plugging women into the digital world; they're about helping them lead it. The growth of digital commerce, social media platforms and remote work opportunities has opened new avenues for women's employment and entrepreneurship. Access to mobile-based financial services has also enabled many women to take control of their earnings and financial decisions. From digital wallets to mobile banking, women are now better positioned to save, invest and plan for their future. According to GSMA, closing the gender gap in mobile ownership and usage could generate an additional $230 billion in revenue for the mobile industry over eight years, highlighting the commercial and societal benefits of this very digital inclusion vision I am talking about. While the progress made so far is really commendable, achieving full digital gender parity requires continued focus and here the telecom sector has a pivotal role to play and it is already working continuously to innovate around affordability, creating pricing models and device solutions that lower the barriers to entry for women. Collaboration with policymakers is equally important to embed gender-sensitive principles in digital strategies which includes data-driven approaches to track progress, assess the impact of interventions, and course-correction wherever needed. The vision is pretty clear. We need a digitally inclusive India where every woman, regardless of location or background, has access to the tools and opportunities of the digital age. We believe that the telecom industry's role would be crucial to turn this vision into a reality, with sustained efforts and shared responsibility. This article is authored by Lt Gen SP Kochhar, director general, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), New Delhi.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
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.)
