Study shows lack of net access among women in developing countries

MANILA, Philippines - A latest study by Intel Corporation revealed a huge gender gap between men and women in terms of accessing the Internet particularly in developing countries.

Intel's report on "Women and the Web" cited a concrete data on the enormous Internet gender gap in the developing world and the social and economic benefits of securing Internet access for women.

To better understand the gender gap, Intel commissioned the study and consulted with the US State Department's Office of Global Women's Issues, UN Women and World Pulse, a global network for women. The report issues a call to action to double the number of women online in developing countries from today's figure of 600 million to 1.2 billion in three years.

On average, across the developing world nearly 25 percent fewer women than men have access to the Internet, and the gender gap soars to nearly 45 percent in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, according to the report.

The study also found that one in five women in India and Egypt believes the Internet is not appropriate for them.

According to Shelly Esque, vice president of Intel's Corporate Affairs Group and president of the Intel Foundation, the study demonstrates the enormity of the global Internet gender gap and more importantly, identifies specific ways the public, private and civil society sectors can work together to dramatically increase Internet access for women and girls.

"Intel has worked for decades to improve education around the world. If we can empower women and girls with the tools, resources and opportunities they need to succeed, we will transform their lives and the lives of everyone they touch," Esque said.

Seeing another 600 million women online would mean that 40 percent of women and girls in developing countries -- nearly double the share today -- would have access to the transformative power of the Internet. This goal, if realized, could potentially contribute an estimated US$13 billion to $18 billion to annual GDP across 144 developing countries.

"With the powerful capabilities the Internet enables -- to connect, to learn, to engage, to increase productivity, and to find opportunities -- women's lack of access is giving rise to a second digital divide, one where women and girls risk being left further and further behind." said Melanne Verveer, ambassador-at-large for Global Women's Issues at the U.S. Department of State.

Verveer said she hopes the report report will catalyze an action to close the Internet gender gap.

"This will require knowledge, leadership, determination and collaboration among governments, public institutions, corporations, and civil society to tackle the wide range of gender-specific barriers to Internet access," Verveer said.

Yet for Michelle Bachelet, under-secretary-general and executive director, UN Women, there is wide acknowledgement around the globe that women's empowerment is a basic issue of social and economic justice and also essential to wider social progress and sustainable development.

"This report demonstrates that expanding access to the Internet and technology for women and girls is critical to their improved education, increased opportunity and ability to foster entrepreneurship in countries around the world," Bachelet said.

The report's findings are based on interviews and surveys on 2,200 women and girls living in urban and peri-urban areas of four focus countries: Egypt, India, Mexico and Uganda, as well as analyses of global databases. The findings were unveiled during a panel discussion today in Washington, D.C. as part of the 2-day international working forum on women, ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) and development hosted by the State Department and UN Women.

Support for the study is part of Intel's commitment to bridge this gender gap and empower people through innovation and education.

Through access to technology, scholarships and community learning programs, Intel provides girls and women with opportunities for quality education and personal growth. Intel's programs equip women with access to information needed to excel.