Islamabad, 17 May, 2025: Women’s Mobile Internet Usage in Pakistan has seen a historic rise, according to the recently published GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025.
The report reveals that Pakistan led globally in bridging the mobile internet gender gap last year, reducing it from 38% in 2023 to 25% in 2024 marking the most significant annual improvement among 80 countries reviewed.
Rural Women Drive Digital Inclusion
The findings indicate that 2024 was a transformative year for Women’s Mobile Internet Usage across the country. A major factor behind this change was a notable surge in internet access among women in rural regions.
While digital adoption among men also increased by 7%, an estimated 8 million women began using mobile internet for the first time, compared to 5 million men during the same period.
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This shift has been largely credited to the collaborative efforts of public and private organisations. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) “Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy,” alongside commitments made by Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) under the GSMA Connected Women Commitment Initiative, played a pivotal role.
Development partners and civil society organisations also contributed significantly in making mobile internet more accessible to women across socio-economic backgrounds.
Pakistan Sets Global Benchmark for Gender-Inclusive Connectivity
Now in its eighth year, the GSMA report acknowledges that digital gender inequality continues to pose challenges globally.
However, Pakistan’s notable reduction in the mobile internet usage gap positions it as a standout performer.
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The report suggested that Pakistan’s model could guide other developing nations striving to promote gender balance in the digital space.
Analysts say the recent gains in Women’s Mobile Internet Usage are not only a step forward in digital inclusion but also open up new opportunities for education, employment, and entrepreneurship for women.
As Pakistan continues to expand its digital infrastructure, experts suggest that sustained investment and policy focus could further accelerate progress and help maintain momentum in reducing the digital gender divide.
