Overview
Gender equality in access to and use of digital technologies is an important component of digital inclusion and sustainable development.
Access to connectivity, digital skills and digital opportunities can help women and girls participate more fully in education, employment, entrepreneurship, public life and the digital economy.
However, gender gaps in Internet use, digital skills and participation in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector persist in many parts of the world. These gaps are often linked to broader social, economic, educational and geographic inequalities.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) works with governments, industry, civil society, academia and international organizations to support gender equality in digital transformation and help ensure that women and girls can access and benefit from digital technologies.
Opportunities
Digital technologies can help women and girls:
- Access education, training and information.
- Participate in the digital economy.
- Develop digital skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Access health, financial and public services.
- Participate more fully in social, economic and civic life.
Greater participation by women and girls in the digital economy can also contribute to innovation, economic growth and sustainable development.
Challenges
Digital gender gaps remain evident in access, affordability, skills and participation.
Key challenges include:
- Lower Internet use by women than by men in many parts of the world.
- Unequal access to digital skills, training and education.
- Under-representation of women in ICT careers, leadership positions and technical decision-making.
- Social, cultural and economic barriers that limit women's and girls' participation in the digital economy.
- The risk that existing inequalities may be reinforced as services and opportunities become increasingly digital.
Policy and development considerations
Bridging the gender divide in digital technology usage requires a combination of measures, including:
- Affordable access to connectivity and devices.
- Digital skills development.
- Inclusive policies and regulatory frameworks.
- Support for women's participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and ICT careers.
- Collection and use of gender-disaggregated data to inform policy and measure progress.
ITU's contribution
Policy and advocacy
ITU promotes gender-responsive digital-development policies and works to raise awareness of gender-related digital divides and their impact on development.
Data, research and analysis
ITU collects and publishes ICT statistics that help identify digital gender gaps and support evidence-based policymaking.
Capacity development and inclusion
ITU supports programmes, resources and initiatives that encourage the participation of women and girls in digital technologies, digital skills development and technology-related careers. Various ITU initiatives focus on cultivating women's leadership, equitable digital skills development, promoting gender equality across the sector, and boosting participation by women and girls in key policy discussions.
Partnerships and international cooperation
ITU collaborates with governments, private-sector organizations, civil society organizations, United Nations entities and other partners to promote gender equality in the digital age.
Last update: September 2026
