There is positive news in the fight for digital equality! A recent report by GSMA shows the gender gap in mobile internet use is narrowing. After growing for the last three years, the mobile gender gap has now returned to where it was in 2020. This has shrunk the gap from 19% in 2022 to 15% in 2023. Despite this progress, there is still a significant challenge. Nearly 785 million women still lack mobile internet access, with most concentrated in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
It is essential to address this issue, not only for digital inclusion but also for economic growth and societal development.
How KaiOS addresses the gender gap challenges? – KaiOS has emerged as a potential solution to bridge the mobile gender gap, with the release of its KaiOS smart feature phone with internet capabilities addressing all these key challenges:
- Cost of smartphone ownership: One of the significant barriers for women in LMICs is the cost of smartphone ownership. KaiOS-powered devices, commonly referred to as “smart feature phones,” provide affordable alternatives to traditional smartphones. These devices offer functionalities like internet browsing, messaging, and social media apps at a fraction of the cost, making them accessible to a broader demographic.
- Digital literacy and skills: Another obstacle highlighted in the report is the lack of digital literacy and skills. KaiOS, with its intuitive user interface and simplified applications, is designed to be user-friendly, even for individuals with limited technological experience. Moreover, KaiOS offers resources like preloaded educational content and localized apps that can help users develop digital skills at their own pace.
- Gender-specific challenges: The report also mentions that women face specific societal and cultural barriers, such as lower literacy rates and restricted mobility. KaiOS can address these challenges by providing access to information and services through mobile phones, thereby empowering women in these communities to engage with digital content and resources independently.
- People with visual & hearing needs are not left behind: KaiOS devices are designed to be accessible to all users, including those with visual or auditory impairments. The platform offers features such as screen readers and text-to-speech functionality, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can use the devices with ease.
In conclusion: How KaiOS impacts the population and specifically the Women
By addressing these barriers, KaiOS has the potential to narrow the mobile gender gap significantly. Increased access to mobile internet can empower women socially, and educationally. As the world moves towards a more connected future, initiatives like KaiOS can play a vital role in ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender or socio-economic status, can benefit from the opportunities offered by the digital age.