Connecting Women: Mobile Phone Access in Developing Countries
For most of us, our mobile phones help run our daily lives, connect us to our friends and family and enable us to consume news, entertainment and social media. Imagine, though, what is it like to be disconnected in an increasingly digital world?
Mobile phones have had an extraordinary impact in advancing inclusion by breaking communication barriers and improving the social and economic status of women throughout the developing world. For example, a mobile phone can empower a woman, helping her feel more connected and safe in an emergency or while running errands alone. Women can also benefit from the life-enhancing services many smartphones bring such as robust online banking services and internet access.
Despite the rapid growth of mobile phone ownership in recent years, a report recently released by the Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA) found that over 3 billion people – of which 1.7 billion are women – still don’t have access to mobile phones, which equates to a 14% gender gap in mobile phone usage in low- and middle-income countries. And in India, less than 30% of all women own a mobile phone.
It’s becoming increasingly apparent that mobile phones can unlock economic potential and create a more financially inclusive world. For Roshni, a mobile phone allows her to take advantage of new opportunities to increase her income and provide for her family. Living in the remote town of Puthenchira in India, Roshni earns a living by cultivating mushrooms and selling them to local businesses and wholesale suppliers. A small loan from Opportunity helped Roshni purchase a mobile phone to reach a greater number of customers, contact suppliers and access important weather updates.
In India, Opportunity is helping more than 247,552 microentrepreneurs monitor their savings accounts on their mobiles. Additional mobile financial services, such as digital remittances, help families save time, money and increase overall productivity.