Shocking Report: Half of Rural Women Using Internet Still Don’t Own a Phone

In today’s world, the internet is often seen as a powerful tool that can change lives. From education to employment opportunities, socializing to healthcare, access to the internet can unlock a vast range of benefits. However, a recent report has shed light on an astonishing issue: despite the growing number of rural women using the internet, nearly half of them still do not own a mobile phone. This digital divide creates a barrier to progress and highlights the gender disparity in technology access.

Half of Rural Women Using Internet Still Don’t Own a Phone

The digital divide between rural men and women is not just a technical issue; it’s a gender inequality problem that limits the potential of millions of women in India. By focusing on improving mobile phone access, digital literacy, and infrastructure in rural areas, we can create a more equitable society where women are empowered to take control of their futures. Programs like Internet Saathi show that with the right support, rural women can use technology to unlock new opportunities and drive change in their communities.

#MintPlainFacts | 📉 Digital inequality isn’t just about access, it’s about control.

Over 75% of rural women use mobile phones but fewer than half own one. Without ownership, autonomy over digital services like UPI, tele-health, or learning apps remains limited.

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— Mint (@livemint) June 4, 2025

Understanding the Digital Divide

India, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing digital markets, is home to over a billion people, with a significant proportion residing in rural areas. Mobile phones are a lifeline in rural India, providing access to vital information, educational resources, and economic opportunities. However, recent data reveals that 51.6% of rural women in India do not own a mobile phone, even though 76.3% of them use the internet at least once every three months. In comparison, 80.7% of rural men own a mobile phone, highlighting a stark gender disparity.

This issue goes beyond mere statistics—it is about gender equality and digital empowerment. While rural women are embracing the internet for its potential to improve their lives, they often lack the basic tools to fully utilize it. The question then becomes: why are these women unable to own phones, and what can be done to address this?

Challenges Contributing to the Digital Divide

The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology (ICT) and those who do not. In rural India, the divide is particularly acute for women.

1. Cultural Norms and Gender Bias: In many rural communities, societal norms place greater value on men’s education and economic opportunities, leaving women behind when it comes to access to technology. Mobile phones are often seen as tools for men in many rural households, while women’s roles are typically confined to domestic responsibilities.
2. Poverty and Economic Constraints: Rural families, particularly those in lower-income households, prioritize spending on essentials like food, education, and healthcare over luxury items such as mobile phones. With poverty rates in rural India significantly higher than urban areas, purchasing a phone for women is often viewed as unnecessary.
3. Lack of Digital Literacy: Even when rural women do own mobile phones, a lack of digital literacy hinders them from effectively utilizing the device for internet access or educational purposes. Digital skills such as internet browsing, email management, and using apps are not easily accessible in rural areas.
4. Infrastructure Limitations: In remote areas, poor infrastructure, including unreliable electricity and patchy network coverage, restricts the use of mobile phones and the internet. Even if women manage to purchase a phone, a lack of network coverage may render it unusable.

These combined challenges exacerbate the problem, making it harder for rural women to bridge the digital gap and access the same opportunities as their male counterparts or urban women.

The Growing Importance of Digital Access

In rural areas, mobile phones have become the gateway to countless opportunities:

1. Education: With increasing access to online learning platforms, rural women can now learn new skills, access educational materials, and even attend online classes. For example, apps like BYJU’s, Khan Academy, and Coursera provide educational resources for women seeking to enhance their knowledge in a wide variety of subjects.
2. Economic Empowerment: By owning a mobile phone, women can engage in online businesses, take part in e-commerce, or even access microfinance for small-scale entrepreneurship. Platforms such as Flipkart and Amazon allow rural women to sell local products online, boosting their income and contributing to the local economy.
3. Healthcare Access: The internet enables women to access information on maternal health, sanitation, and other crucial topics. Online consultations with doctors can also be an invaluable resource. Platforms such as Practo and HealthifyMe offer telemedicine services, making healthcare more accessible for rural women who live far from medical facilities.
4. Social Connectivity: Mobile phones help rural women stay connected to their communities and families, reducing social isolation and opening avenues for socialization. Social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram allow rural women to connect with others in their localities, as well as globally.

Without mobile phones, rural women are excluded from these life-changing opportunities, which perpetuates gender inequality and limits their potential to contribute to the economy.

The Psychosocial Impact of Digital Exclusion

The lack of digital access doesn’t just affect women in practical terms—it has a deep psychosocial impact as well. Many rural women feel isolated and disconnected from the world around them. Without mobile phones or internet access, they cannot engage in social networks, access critical information, or participate in wider societal conversations. This exclusion reinforces traditional gender roles and makes it harder for women to assert their voices or advocate for their rights.

Furthermore, digital exclusion can exacerbate mental health issues. Rural women, who may already face the challenges of social isolation and economic dependency, are left without an outlet for emotional support, educational resources, or even job opportunities. Access to a mobile phone is no longer just a matter of convenience—it is a lifeline for mental well-being, especially in times of crisis.

Global Comparison: Is This a Unique Issue?

While the issue is acute in India, the digital divide between rural men and women is a problem faced by many countries around the world. According to a 2020 report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), women globally are 23% less likely to own a mobile phone than men, with rural women being the most affected. This gap is even more pronounced in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Southeast Asia.

India’s rural women, however, are among the largest groups without phone ownership, despite the country’s strides in expanding mobile network coverage and internet access in rural areas. The gender gap in mobile ownership is not only a reflection of socio-economic barriers but also of deeply ingrained cultural norms that often prioritize men’s access to technology.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Digital Divide

The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened the digital divide. With schools, businesses, and healthcare moving online during lockdowns, those without mobile phones were unable to participate in these critical areas. For rural women, this meant missing out on online education, government health updates, and employment opportunities.

As families struggled to balance household expenses, purchasing a phone was often seen as a non-essential expense, pushing the issue of digital exclusion to the backburner. Digital literacy programs became more crucial than ever, as rural women needed basic training to navigate an increasingly digital world. The pandemic reinforced the need for urgent measures to bridge the digital divide.

Bridging the Gap: Initiatives to Support Rural Women

1. The Internet Saathi Initiative

One of the most successful initiatives to address this gap is the Internet Saathi program. This program, launched by Google India, Intel, and Tata Trusts, has empowered thousands of rural women to become digital champions in their communities. These women, known as Saathis, are trained to teach other women in their villages how to use the internet and mobile phones.

The program has helped millions of women in rural India learn everything from basic internet usage to accessing government services online. Through this initiative, many rural women are discovering ways to improve their families’ lives by accessing educational resources, health information, and financial services. Expanding such programs can help bridge the digital gap significantly.

2. Government Policies for Digital Inclusion

To truly close the gap, there needs to be a concerted effort from both the government and the private sector. Policies should focus on making mobile phones and internet access more affordable for rural women. Subsidized mobile phones, cheaper data plans, and government-subsidized digital literacy programs are steps in the right direction.

In addition, rural infrastructure must be improved. Access to reliable mobile networks and electricity is crucial for ensuring that women in rural India can consistently use mobile phones and the internet. This can be achieved through public-private partnerships that focus on the development of mobile towers, electricity grids, and Wi-Fi hotspots in rural areas.

3. Community-Led Development

Community-based programs, especially those led by women themselves, are another effective way to ensure digital inclusion. Many successful digital literacy programs have been implemented through self-help groups or local women’s organizations. These programs, run by local women, are tailored to the specific needs of their communities and have proven to be effective in overcoming cultural and logistical barriers.

Success Stories and Case Studies

Many women who have participated in the Internet Saathi program have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, educators, and health advocates in their communities. For example, Radha, a village woman from Uttar Pradesh, learned to use the internet to access agricultural advice and market trends. She used this knowledge to sell organic vegetables at a local market and improved her family’s income. Radha’s story is just one of many, showing the tangible benefits of digital inclusion.

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Technology Advancements: Making Phones More Accessible

Innovation in mobile technology is also playing a role in bridging the digital divide. Companies are now focusing on affordable smartphones that are designed specifically for rural and low-income markets. These phones come with basic internet access, larger screens, and longer battery life, all of which are crucial for rural women who may not have easy access to charging stations or high-speed data.

FAQs

1. Why do rural women in India lack mobile phones?

The primary reasons include poverty, cultural norms, and lack of digital literacy. In many rural households, mobile phones are prioritized for men, leaving women with limited access.

2. How does not owning a phone impact rural woman?

Without a phone, rural women miss out on critical opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. This further perpetuates gender inequality in rural areas.

3. How can mobile phones help rural women?

Mobile phones provide access to educational content, business opportunities, healthcare information, and social networks, enabling women to improve their quality of life.

4. What is the role of the government in digital inclusion?

The government must create policies that subsidize mobile phones and expand affordable internet access in rural areas. Digital literacy programs and infrastructure development are also key.