Pakistan’s Gender Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap
The term “digital purdah,” coined by a researcher from the London School of Economics, encapsulates the intricate and complex relationship Pakistan has with technology, particularly concerning women. The gender digital divide in Pakistan is not merely about the disparity in mobile ownership or internet access; it is deeply rooted in societal norms, cultural barriers, and systemic inequalities that hinder women from fully leveraging technology.
Current State of Women’s Digital Access
According to the latest GSMA figures, while 53% of women in Pakistan own mobile phones, only 33% have access to the internet. This gap is symptomatic of a broader issue: women, whether in urban or rural areas, often fail to exploit the internet’s potential due to various barriers. The digital divide can be understood through three levels:
- Access Gap: This is the most basic level, where women struggle to obtain ownership of basic phones or smartphones.
- Skill Gap: Even with access, many women lack the necessary skills to navigate digital platforms effectively.
- Utilization Gap: This is perhaps the most frustrating layer, where women possess access and skills but are still unable to utilize technology fully due to societal and cultural restrictions.
Societal Barriers and Digital Veil
Women often face technology-facilitated gender-based violence and harassment, compounded by insufficient legal mechanisms for reporting such incidents. The fear of online harassment leads many to restrict their online activities, observing a sort of “digital veil.” This often manifests in their social media presence, where they may choose to share generic images—like scenery or family members—rather than personal photos, thereby limiting their digital expression.
Moreover, the societal norm that requires women to seek permission from male family members to use technology further entrenches this divide. This not only stifles women’s independence but also perpetuates a culture of control over women’s digital interactions.
Need for a Coordinated Approach
Year after year, reports highlight the stark digital divide in Pakistan, yet the challenges remain largely unaddressed. Simply churning out statistics and holding conferences has not produced significant change. The solution requires robust political will, a coordinated multi-sectoral approach, and a strong commitment to behavioral change.
The Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy, spearheaded by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority and the Minister of Information Technology, represents a critical step forward. This strategy encompasses six verticals: access, skills, awareness, security, affordability, and data.
Implementation and Commitment
However, the real challenge lies in effectively implementing this strategy and ensuring that it transcends political and bureaucratic changes. There needs to be a comprehensive plan in place that is monitored and sustained over time. This requires a collective commitment from all sectors: government, private, non-profit, academia, and civil society.
Armchair activism is no longer sufficient; active participation and tangible actions are necessary to bring about meaningful change.
The Economic Potential of Women
Addressing the gender digital divide is not just a social issue; it has significant economic implications. Women can play a pivotal role in driving economic development, particularly in a country like Pakistan, which faces numerous economic challenges. Empowering women through technology can create opportunities that contribute to national growth.
Conclusion
The future of Pakistan’s digital landscape hinges on improving women’s relationship with technology. This requires dismantling the societal and cultural barriers that currently hinder progress. By working together to build an inclusive digital ecosystem, Pakistan can harness the transformative power of technology for the betterment of all its citizens.
As a strategic policy communications and gender expert, the author emphasizes the urgent need for a collective effort to bridge the gender digital divide in Pakistan, as the country’s digital future depends on it.
More: https://jininews.pk/2024/09/28/tech-giants-apple-and-meta-decline-to-sign-eus-new-ai-safety-pact/
