Mobile service providers generally have categorized their market segments into urban and rural areas. But GSMA’s new research, ‘Women and Mobile: A Global Opportunity’ which analyses the nature of women mobile subscribers in low and middle-income countries such as Kenya and India, and highlights the barriers facing women’s adoption of mobile technologies may compel operators to alter their strategies a bit.

According to the research, there are 300 million fewer female mobile subscribers than male subscribers across the globe. The trend is more visible in low and middle-income countries where a female is 21% less likely to own a mobile connection. In South Asia the difference is more severe with 37% possibility that a woman is less likely to own a phone.

The low penetration among women means that there is tremendous potential to tap this segment and it is estimated that two thirds of potential new subscribers for mobile network operators will be women. In low and middle-income countries, women account for 750 million of the 1.25 billion adults. Revenue-wise operators stand to earn as high as $ 13 billion additional revenues each year from this segment.

Moreover if women gain access to mobile connections in rural and lower income brackets, they stand to benefit the most from closing the gender gap as 93% women feel safe on owning a mobile phone and 85% feel more independent. Additionally 41% of women report having increased income and professional opportunities once they own a phone.   

 “I am delighted that the GSMA is working with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women on this important initiative and hope that together we can develop solutions which will empower and enable women and address the barriers that have been highlighted,” says Rob Conway, CEO and Member of the Board, GSMA. “Mobile has proved to be a key element in today’s society as it is the most ubiquitous, connected and personalised communications tool that we have, and holds significant potential in bringing the benefits of connectivity to most of the developing world and reaching families at the bottom of the economic pyramid.”

Cherie Blair, Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, comments,“Every woman, wherever she lives, needs a mobile phone.  That’s the simple but fundamental message at the heart of this report.  Women can use this vital tool to help unlock real prospects for themselves, their families and their communities.  By being better connected, women feel safer, find employment, start businesses, access banks, learn about market prices and altogether benefit socially and economically.  “Women and Mobile” is a seminal report that should be read by all who care about the life chances of women.”