Women and digital literacy

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Technology is transforming every facet of life, with digital literacy now a key to success. However, many women in Pakistan remain excluded due to limited access to digital skills. Teaching these skills not only can transform their lives but also contribute to societal growth.

Why focus on women's digital literacy? Education is a transformative force that improves families' well-being, strengthens economies, and nurtures healthier communities. Educated women raise informed children, reduce poverty, and promote social harmony.

With the shift to the digital era, education now involves mastering digital tools. Providing women with these skills opens doors to valuable information, new opportunities, and participation in the online economy. For women in Pakistan, digital literacy breaks barriers like isolation and restricted job prospects while improving access to education and services. It enables them to work remotely, learn new skills, and actively engage in both social and economic development.

In Pakistan, cultural norms often restrict women's education, especially in rural areas. Digital literacy can bridge this gap by providing access to online education, vocational training and jobs without needing physical mobility. This empowers women with information, workforce participation and better living standards. Digitally literate women can start businesses, access healthcare, engage politically, and educate their families. In rural Pakistan, where mobility is limited, digital skills enable selling products online, learning new skills, and advocating for rights. It counters misinformation, informs about rights, and builds networks for mentorship and community support, boosting confidence and challenging societal norms.

Pakistan faces challenges in achieving gender parity in education. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the country's overall literacy rate is 62.8%, with male literacy at 72.5% and female literacy at only 51.8%. The situation is even worse in rural areas, where female literacy drops to 35%, compared to 65% in urban areas.

Digital literacy statistics are harder to quantify, but research shows that women in Pakistan have limited access to digital devices and the internet. According to a report by GSMA, only 51% of women in Pakistan own a mobile phone, compared to 81% of men. Similarly, only 21% of women use mobile internet, compared to 42% of men. The digital gender gap is wider in rural areas, where cultural norms and infrastructure limitations further restrict women's access to technology.

Globally, Pakistan ranks low in women's literacy and gender equality indicators. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum, Pakistan ranks 142nd out of 146 countries in terms of gender parity. The report highlights disparities in education, health, economic participation and political empowerment.

In terms of digital inclusion, Pakistan also lags behind. The country ranks 76th out of 120 countries in the Inclusive Internet Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit. This report indicates that women in Pakistan face significant barriers to accessing digital technology due to affordability, lack of digital skills and societal norms.

To close the digital gender gap and empower women, Pakistan must implement policies addressing cultural and infrastructural challenges. Providing digital skills training to women, especially in rural areas, is necessary.

Affordable access to technology is crucial for meeting women's needs. The high cost of smartphones, internet connectivity and digital devices prevents many from benefiting from digital tools. Policies aimed at reducing these costs can help bring more women online.

The digital age provides an opportunity to redefine women's empowerment in Pakistan. Digital literacy drives economic growth and social progress, enabling women to overcome traditional barriers and contribute meaningfully to society. Therefore, women must not be sidelined but equipped with the necessary digital literacy to meet the demands of the modern technological world.