Pakistani Women Still Without a Place in Digital Spaces

Problem and Insights

A recent report issued by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revealed alarmingly low levels of women’s participation in the country’s digital economy. The report highlights significant gaps in female education, smartphone access, and internet usage, underscoring the urgent need to bridge the digital divide and promote equitable access to technology for women.

The PTA report emphasizes that women’s participation in the digital sphere is crucial for driving economic growth and social development. However, numerous barriers, including limited access to education, financial constraints, and societal norms, continue to hinder women’s full integration into the digital economy.

The report aligns with global trends, as highlighted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which found that globally, approximately 327 million fewer women than men have access to smartphones and the mobile internet. This disparity highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts to empower women and ensure their equal participation in the digital age.

Current State of Women’s Participation in Digital Spaces

Recent data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) paints a concerning picture:

Only 23% of women in Pakistan have access to the internet compared to 43% of men.

This translates to a significant gender gap in digital spaces, with women facing substantial barriers to accessing and utilizing online platforms.

For instance, on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, women’s user base often hovers around 20–30%, significantly lower than their male counterparts.

PTA’s annual report states that out of a total of 60.4 million users of Facebook, 77pc were men and 24% women. YouTube saw 71.7m users from Pakistan, out of which 28% were women. Similarly, TikTok saw 54.4m users, which saw 22% women only. Instagram had 17.3m users, which had 36% women.

This limited online presence has severe consequences. Women with restricted internet access are often excluded from crucial information dissemination channels, hindering their ability to access educational resources, healthcare information, and important news updates. Moreover, reduced online participation limits women’s ability to connect with others, build professional networks, and explore economic opportunities through online platforms.

Key Challenges Faced by Pakistani Women in Accessing Digital Technology

Several interconnected factors contribute to the limited digital participation of women in Pakistan:

Limited Digital Literacy
A significant portion of women lack foundational digital skills, hindering their ability to effectively navigate the online world. This includes basic computer and internet usage, understanding online safety practices, and developing critical thinking skills to evaluate information found online. This lack of digital literacy limits women’s ability to access information, utilize online services, and fully participate in the digital economy.

Restricted Access to Financial Services
Many women lack access to essential financial services such as bank accounts and mobile money services. This financial exclusion limits their ability to purchase devices, pay for internet access, and participate in online transactions. Consequently, women are often excluded from the digital economy and miss out on opportunities for online entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

Absence of National Identity Documentation
A considerable portion of adult women lack Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs), which are essential for accessing a wide range of digital services and participating in online activities. This includes opening bank accounts, accessing government services, and participating in online transactions. The absence of CNICs creates a significant barrier to digital inclusion and restricts women’s access to online opportunities.

Economic Barriers
The high cost of devices, internet access, and data plans poses a significant economic barrier for many women, particularly those from low-income households. This financial constraint limits their ability to acquire and maintain access to technology, restricting their full participation in the digital sphere.

Limited Availability of Relevant Content
There is a significant lack of online content and resources that are specifically tailored to women’s needs and interests. This includes information on health, education, entrepreneurship, and social issues. This lack of relevant content limits women’s access to valuable information and resources that can empower them and improve their lives.

Fears of Online Harassment and Cyberbullying
The prevalence of online harassment and cyberbullying creates a hostile environment for women online, deterring them from actively participating in online spaces. This fear of online abuse negatively impacts women’s overall well-being and limits their ability to fully engage in the digital world.

As per the Digital Rights Foundation‘s (DRF) report, there was a surge in the technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in Pakistan in 2023, with nearly 2,500 cases reported in the year, with a significant rise in complaints by women and marginalised groups. The year saw another alarming trend, i.e., the use of generative AI content for violence against women in the public sphere, a trend that worsened in 2024.

Patriarchal Controls
Deeply ingrained patriarchal norms and societal expectations often limit women’s access to and control over technology. Factors such as early marriage, limited mobility, and restrictive family structures can significantly restrict women’s online participation. These societal constraints reinforce gender inequalities and hinder women’s full potential in the digital age.

Comparative Analysis of Global Trends

The digital gender divide is a global phenomenon, with women facing significant barriers to accessing and utilizing technology in many parts of the world.

According to a report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development called ‘Bridging the Digital Gender Divide’, globally, approximately 327 million fewer women than men have access to smartphones and the mobile Internet.

This disparity highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower women in the digital age. 

While Pakistan faces unique challenges, such as limited digital literacy, economic barriers, and societal constraints, it shares commonalities with other countries in terms of the underlying factors contributing to the digital gender divide. 

Who Is Responsible?

Addressing the digital gender divide is a collective responsibility. The government plays a crucial role by leading policy formulation and implementation, allocating resources for digital literacy programs, infrastructure development, and financial incentives, and enforcing legislation to protect women’s rights online.

The private sector contributes by providing affordable technology and internet access, partnering with NGOs and government agencies to implement digital inclusion programs, and creating a safe and inclusive online environment for women.

Civil Society Organizations play a vital role by implementing grassroots programs to empower women and bridge the digital divide, advocating for policy changes, and raising public awareness.

Academia contributes by conducting research, providing training, and developing innovative solutions to address the digital gender divide.

Furthermore, women themselves play a crucial role by actively participating in digital literacy programs and online communities, and advocating for their own rights and access to technology.

Initiatives to Bridge the Digital Gender Divide

Bridging the digital gender divide requires a multi-pronged approach involving government intervention, private sector collaboration, and active engagement from civil society organizations. Government initiatives aimed at promoting digital literacy among women, such as targeted training programs and the establishment of community internet centers, are crucial.

The private sector can play a vital role by partnering with NGOs to provide affordable devices and internet access to women. Furthermore, integrating digital literacy skills into the education curriculum at all levels, particularly for girls, is essential for empowering future generations of women in the digital age.

By fostering a supportive ecosystem that empowers women as digital entrepreneurs and provides them with access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities, Pakistan can unlock the immense potential of women in the digital economy.

Path forward toward bright future of Pakistani women

The digital divide is a significant obstacle to women’s empowerment in Pakistan. Bridging this gap is crucial for their economic and social progress. The government, private sector, and civil society must collaborate to increase digital literacy, improve access to affordable technology, and create a safe online environment.

Women themselves must actively participate in digital literacy programs, advocate for their rights, and leverage technology to their advantage. By embracing the digital revolution and overcoming the barriers they face, Pakistani women can unlock their full potential and contribute significantly to the country’s development.