In the digital age, access to the internet and technology plays a fundamental role in the development of any society. However, in Pakistan, women do not have equal opportunities to access digital facilities, which leaves them far behind in the race for educational, social, and economic progress. Recognizing the importance of digital gender inclusion, several initiatives are being undertaken to promote it, but gender disparity remains a significant challenge.
Digital Gender Gap: Facts and Figures
Even in modern times, women in Pakistan have limited access to mobile phones and the internet. In 2024, the gender gap in mobile phone ownership stood at 38%, compared to 36% in 2022. Similarly, the gender gap in internet usage remains at 38%. Out of Pakistan’s 133 million mobile broadband users, only 33 million (25%) are women, while 75% are men.
Access to Social Media
According to 2023 statistics, 72 million people in Pakistan use social media, accounting for 30% of the country’s population. However, there is a significant gender gap in access to social media. On Facebook, 77% of users are men, and only 23% are women, reflecting a 68% gender disparity. On YouTube, 72% of users are men, and 28% are women, while TikTok has 78% male and 22% female users, showing a 71% gender gap. Instagram has a relatively smaller gap, with 64% male and 36% female users. Women face issues such as online harassment, security concerns, and societal pressures, which discourage them from using social media and limit their digital freedom.
Gender Disparity in Financial Services
Financial inclusion is another critical aspect of digital development, but women’s participation in this sector remains low in Pakistan. The country has 117 million branchless banking accounts, but there is a 54% gender gap in bank account ownership. Most women remain excluded from the formal financial system, even though digital financial platforms like JazzCash and Easypaisa are helping promote women’s financial inclusion. However, to benefit from these services, it is essential for women to have mobile SIMs registered in their own names so they can directly control their banking and financial transactions and avoid financial barriers. Unfortunately, many women do not have SIMs registered in their names due to societal restrictions, reliance on male family members, lack of identification documents, and unawareness of digital facilities. To address this issue, women need to be educated about the importance of registering SIMs in their names, and the process should be made easier.
