The Internet is a vital part of our daily lives; it’s a gateway to ideas and opportunities that could never have been imagined before. Unfortunately, there is a distinct gender gap in its use. According to a new study by our technology partner, Intel, women in developing countries are 25% less likely to be online than men (this percentage increases to 43% in Africa), keeping women systemically underserved.
Having Internet access is vital to increasing income potential and socioeconomic development. Access to affordable devices and services leads to greater social and political participation, use of online support networks, and the development of skills needed to improve women’s livelihoods and the prosperity of their families.
To address this concern, NetHope and its partners developed the Women and the Web Alliance which focuses on increasing digital literacy, curating digital content that helps sustain women and girls’ interest in the internet, investing in economic empowerment, and creating social networks where women can feel safe and supported online. As of May 2016, over 100,000 women have graduated from digital literacy trainings. NetHope’s goal is to reach 600,000 as the program matures.
The Women and the Web Alliance has the following goals:
*http://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/pdf/women-and-the-web.pdf
