What is the Digital Divide and How Does it Affect Women?

Image credit: PexelsAs the world becomes more digital, there's also a growing divide in access to technology. This is pronounced in several populations, particularly women. In fact, the United Nations reports that half the world’s population of 3.7 billion people, most of them women, are still offline. This can be caused by several factors, ranging anywhere from women not having a mobile device to lack of internet access or even infrastructure at home. Some are digitally illiterate which sets them back in a world that is becoming more digitally dependent. Understanding the digital divide and how it affects certain groups is essential in creating opportunities for inclusion moving forward.How Does the Digital Divide Affect Women?According to Investopedia, the digital divide refers to the gap in access to information and communications technology between demographics and regions. While 55% of the global male population was using the Internet in 2019, only 48% of women had the same access — this is the most visible indicator of the divide. There is also a gap in skills that women need to use this technology.One of the biggest factors that contribute to the divide is gender stereotypes and discrimination. In some parts of the world, the internet is often viewed as a risk to women's safety, and authorities have responded by banning access altogether. In fact, studies have found that boys are 1.5 times more likely to own a mobile phone than girls, with the latter resorting to borrowing these devices for digital access. In adults, this gender gap is reflected in the lack of digital use overall.Another major contributor is the gender inequality present in education. In many countries, women have lower levels of education and therefore have less exposure to digital content. This is especially true in the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, as highlighted in our post on ‘Fighting for Racial Equity in STEM’. Here we discuss a greater need for more women of various backgrounds in these fields. Because of these hindrances, women are falling behind in digital literacy. This will result in fewer job opportunities as the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital knowledge and skills. Aside from that, navigating daily life has also turned more digital. Advancements in technologies are becoming more commonplace, and smartphone use is practically considered a must with daily transactions. In short, women cannot survive in a world where the digital gap continues to grow.Closing the Digital DivideTo close the gap, digital literacy, access, and online safety must be taken into account. Digital literacy needs to be more inclusive of women’s needs. Digital products, solutions, and content are often created with little to no female involvement during development. As a result, females are less engaged in the digital sphere that does not cater to their preferences. To solve this, women should be involved in the design process for digital solutions, and considerations for what women want to see in digital spaces should be taken into account.Another obstacle to digital inclusion is fewer access opportunities to devices, data, and networks for women. Take mobility and transport, for example. At present, most transportation methods are designed for men’s use and women are often threatened or assaulted. Fortunately, technology is changing this. Verizon Connect discusses a concept called “smart mobility,” where various elements of technology are integrated into transportation systems. Insights from data gathered on consumer behavior from all demographics are used to adjust transportation systems. As a result, there are more options available for men and women with alternative modes of transportation. These include carpooling, bike or scooter sharing programs, and augmented traffic systems, showing how smart mobility provides a more universal way of getting around. And it's one that's safer.Promoting online safety is also imperative to closing the divide. Many women may prefer not to go online because they may be harassed, bullied, and stalked. This is particularly true for social media platforms, where Web Foundation reports 68% of all online abuse happens to women. Apart from policies and regulations that prevent digital harm, one of the best ways to safeguard women from these risks is by improving digital literacy, particularly in online safety. Education plays a big role in understanding how to navigate the internet, and it is especially crucial in this case.Closing the digital divide is a multifaceted issue that must be considered more than what is discussed above. However, understanding its causes and some ways to close the gap is a step in the right direction. About the author:Romy Jacobs is a part-time writer, part-time teacher, and former professor of biology. She currently resides in Portland with her fiancé and a mischievous Samoyed named Albert.romyjacobs.writes@gmail.com Exclusively for womeninsciencepdx.org