GSMA Gender Gap Report Highlights Pakistan’s Remarkable Progress In Digital Inclusion

GSMA Gender Gap Report Highlights

GSMA Gender Gap Report: Pakistan has made history. The country has recorded the single largest improvement among all surveyed nations in narrowing the mobile ownership gender gap, according to the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2026. This was revealed at a landmark event jointly hosted by the Telecom Operators’ Association (TOA) and GSMA, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners to celebrate and sustain this impressive digital milestone.

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A Historic Leap Forward Pakistan’s Gender Gap Drops from 37% to 27%

In just one year, Pakistan managed to reduce its mobile ownership gender gap from 37% in 2024 to 27% in 2025 the largest such improvement among all 14 surveyed countries. This is not just a number; it is a reflection of what happens when governments, telecom companies, and civil society groups come together around a shared mission. Pakistan’s performance stands out globally and signals a real shift in how women relate to mobile technology. The improvement spans nearly all indicators of digital access and usage, making this a broad-based achievement rather than progress in just one area.

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Internet Gender Gap Shrinks Dramatically From 25% to Just 8%

Perhaps the most striking finding in the GSMA 2026 report is the collapse of the mobile internet gender gap in Pakistan. It fell from 25% to just 8% in a single year among the fastest reductions ever recorded globally. This rapid change was mainly driven by a sharp rise in women’s internet usage, while male usage stayed relatively flat. This pattern indicates that women who were previously left behind are now actively catching up. It shows that when the right conditions are created, women are not only willing but eager to participate in the digital world.

Why Device Ownership Changes Everything for Women

The report highlights a very important insight: the type of device access women have makes a massive difference in how they use mobile internet. Women who own their own smartphones use the internet daily at a rate of 94%, compared to only 48% among those relying on shared devices. This 46-percentage-point gap makes it clear that shared devices are not a substitute for personal ownership. When a woman has her own smartphone, she has privacy, control, and consistent access. She can learn, earn, communicate, and grow on her own terms. This single finding makes a strong case for policies and programs focused on putting personal devices in the hands of women.

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What the Experts Had to Say

Speaking at the event, TOA Chairman Aamir Ibrahim acknowledged the significance of Pakistan’s progress and called for continued commitment:

• He highlighted that the achievement proves what is possible when stakeholders unite around digital inclusion goals
• He stressed that sustaining this momentum will depend on making devices more affordable and improving digital skills among women
• He emphasized the need to create more economic opportunities that allow women to participate independently in the digital economy

Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA, praised Pakistan’s efforts:

• He described Pakistan as one of the strongest performers among all countries surveyed in the report
• He credited collective effort across sectors for the substantial reduction in the gender gap
• He stated that sustaining this momentum will require ensuring women have their own devices and a supportive digital ecosystem

Barriers Still Standing What’s Holding Women Back

Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. Participants at the event identified several key barriers that continue to limit women’s digital participation in Pakistan:

• Affordability: Many women still cannot afford smartphones or data plans on their own
• Digital literacy: A large number of women lack basic skills to navigate the internet safely and effectively
• Social norms: Family disapproval and cultural expectations continue to restrict many women from using the internet freely
• Safety concerns: The need for safe and inclusive online environments remains a critical issue
• Structural barriers: Limited economic independence makes it difficult for women to own or control their own devices

These barriers require a multi-dimensional response that goes beyond just providing access. True digital inclusion means addressing affordability, skills, social attitudes, and safety all at the same time.

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Why Digital Access Matters So Much for Women in Pakistan

The importance of mobile internet access for women goes far beyond simple connectivity. The event emphasized how digital inclusion acts as a gateway to broader opportunities and better life outcomes. Here is what mobile internet access can unlock for women in Pakistan:

• Education: Online learning tools and resources help women gain knowledge and qualifications
• Healthcare: Telehealth services make it easier for women to access medical advice and information
• Financial services: Mobile banking and fintech platforms give women economic independence
• Entrepreneurship: Women can start and grow small businesses using digital platforms and e-commerce tools
• Economic opportunity: Remote work and freelancing platforms open new income streams for women
• Social connection: Digital tools allow women to stay connected with family and community

Mobile internet is not a luxury for women in Pakistan. It is a development tool that can transform lives when placed in the right hands.

The Role of Government and Industry in This Achievement

The GSMA report’s findings did not happen by accident. Pakistan’s success is the direct result of coordinated effort between the public and private sectors. The TOA formally acknowledged and praised the contributions of key stakeholders:

• Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT): For driving national digital inclusion policies
• Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA): For regulatory support and enabling a favorable environment for telecom growth
• Development partners: International organizations and NGOs who have invested in digital literacy programs for women
• Industry stakeholders: Telecom operators who have worked on affordable data plans and mobile connectivity expansion

This collaborative model offers a replicable blueprint for other countries looking to close their own gender gaps in mobile technology.

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What Must Happen Next to Keep the Momentum Going

Progress has been made, but it cannot be taken for granted. The speakers at the event were clear that continued investment and attention are needed to maintain and build upon the gains made. Key priorities for the future include:

• Expanding affordable smartphone programs targeted at women in rural and low-income areas
• Scaling digital literacy and skills training, especially for older women and those in underserved regions
• Building safer online environments by addressing harassment, misinformation, and digital abuse
• Encouraging family and community support for women’s digital participation
• Designing female-focused digital services in healthcare, finance, and education
• Monitoring progress regularly through robust data collection and gender-disaggregated reporting

The path forward requires persistence, investment, and collaboration the same ingredients that made this year’s success possible.

Pakistan’s Digital Future A More Inclusive Story

Pakistan’s performance in the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2026 is a moment worth celebrating. From a 37% ownership gap to 27%, and from a 25% internet gap to just 8%, these figures tell a story of real, measurable change in the lives of millions of women. The Telecom Operators’ Association and GSMA’s joint launch event brought the right people together to reflect on what has worked and what still needs attention. If Pakistan can sustain and deepen this progress, it has the potential not just to become a regional leader in digital inclusion, but a global example of how a developing country can bridge the gender digital divide with determination and teamwork.

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