Digital Gender Inclusion in Pakistan: Challenges, Opportunities, and Initiatives

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.

Causes of the Digital Gender Gap
There are several reasons why women in Pakistan remain distant from the digital world, including financial, educational, social, and security-related barriers. The rising costs of smartphones and internet services have made access particularly difficult for women in rural areas. Additionally, a lack of digital literacy is a major issue, preventing women from effectively using the internet and modern technology. Cultural and social pressures also pose significant obstacles, as many families do not allow women to own mobile phones or use social media, cutting them off from the digital world. Furthermore, online security concerns, such as cybercrime, harassment, and privacy issues, play a key role in limiting women’s online presence. Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive strategy and practical measures to ensure women have equal opportunities in the digital world.

Initiatives to Reduce the Digital Gender Gap
The government, private sector, and civil society are taking various steps to reduce the digital gender gap. Telenor’s “Khushhal Aangan” program is educating rural women about the internet and digital facilities. Jazz, in collaboration with the Knowledge Platform and the Federal Directorate of Education, has introduced digital education in 75 girls’ high schools, benefiting 1,046 female teachers and 38,453 students. Zong 4G has established a digital lab in partnership with the Dar-e-Yateem Welfare Trust to teach digital skills to orphaned girls. PTCL has launched a special voice package called “SheTalks” for women. Similarly, government and international organizations are also active in this regard. Jazz and UN Women are working together to enhance women’s financial literacy, while PTA and Telenor have promoted digital inclusion for people with disabilities through the Open Mind Program. The State Bank of Pakistan has also introduced the Gender Financial Inclusion Program to promote women’s financial participation.

Future Roadmap for Promoting Digital Gender Inclusion
A comprehensive strategy is needed to reduce the digital gender gap, which can include several measures. First, digital literacy should be incorporated into the educational curriculum so that girls are trained in technology use from an early age. Affordable internet packages and smartphones should be introduced for women to make digital facilities more accessible. Online security and cybercrime laws should be strengthened to protect women from harassment. Employment opportunities in the digital world should be created for women through partnerships between the government and private sector, enabling them to become economically independent. Additionally, specific policies should be developed to fully integrate women into the digital world.

Digital gender inclusion is an essential factor for Pakistan’s development, as no society can achieve true progress without the equal participation of women. If women are given equal access to digital technology, they can play a significant role in educational, economic, and social sectors. Digital skills will not only create new employment opportunities for women but also enable them to contribute effectively to key areas such as business, education, and healthcare. Conversely, if women are deprived of digital facilities, they will miss out on opportunities in the modern world, hindering progress at both individual and national levels.

To address this issue, the government, private sector, and civil society must work together to create effective policies, provide digital training, offer financial support, and implement cybersecurity measures to make women active participants in the digital economy. Additionally, awareness campaigns at educational institutions and community levels are needed to reduce traditional barriers and provide women with a safe and supportive digital environment. When women gain equal opportunities in the digital world, it will have a positive impact on Pakistan’s economy, innovation, and social development, marking a significant step toward a prosperous and progressive Pakistan.

PTA has taken numerous initiatives for women’s digital education, training, and promotion of safe online procedures, and is continuously running awareness programs. These measures will not only enable women to advance with confidence and responsibility in the digital world but also allow them to fully participate in the digital future.

The writer has joined her responsibilities as Director of Communications PTA. She holds an MPhil in Media and Communications from the University of Balochistan and has extensive experience in public relations.