In urban areas of Pakistan, there has been a notable increase in women embracing technology; however, rural regions lag behind due to concerns over online security, affordability, and cultural barriers.
According to the annual report of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), despite nearing 100 percent mobile penetration, there is a significant gender disparity in the adoption of mobile phones and internet usage, with existing gaps widening.
As of September 2023, Pakistan boasts an impressive 130 million broadband subscribers, reflecting a remarkable 110 percent growth over the last five years, achieving a penetration rate of 54.5 percent compared to 29 percent in 2018.
The country now has 192 million telecom subscribers, indicating a 23 percent growth over the same five-year period.
A 2020 ITU study highlights that a 10 percent increase in mobile broadband penetration can lead to a 2.4 percent uptick in GDP for middle and low-income countries in the Asia Pacific region, including Pakistan, surpassing the global average impact of 1.5 percent on GDP.
Despite significant strides in the digital landscape, the digital gender gap remains a challenge in Pakistan, with men having greater access to mobile subscriptions, mobile ownership, and internet usage.
Of the 123 million mobile broadband subscribers, only 30 million are females, making up just 24 percent of the total. The rest are owned by males. The gender gap in mobile broadband ownership narrowed in 2022, compared to 2023, with more women registering SIMs in their names due to enhanced security measures. However, the uptake of secure SIMs is expected to gradually increase.
Improving women’s access to financial services is crucial for digital gender inclusion. The government, particularly the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), actively pursues financial inclusion through the National Financial Inclusion Strategy and the Gender Financial Inclusion Programme. Pakistan currently has about 106.9 million branchless banking accounts.
However, a substantial gender gap of 56 percent in banking account ownership persists, albeit gradually decreasing. The financial sector and allied industries are intensifying efforts to reduce this disparity, proposing policies aimed at enhancing gender access to financial services.
A holistic strategy is needed to overcome barriers women face in accessing digital technology. This strategy should synergize national efforts to enhance digital literacy, improve affordability, increase the availability of local content, and ensure online safety while gradually changing societal norms. Special attention must be given to marginalized communities and economically disadvantaged individuals, including women and persons with disabilities.