Women Need to be Connected!
Connecting women through the use of mobile service can bring an incredible return in social and economic development.
Source: Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association (GSMA), (2018)
To increase women connectivity, Ethio telecom is giving 70,000 mobile handsets with SIM cards to economically disadvantaged women living in 846 woredas across Ethiopia.
In celebrating the 29th March 8 International Women’s Day, Ethio telecom is giving 70,000 mobile handsets with SIM cards and 15 Birr airtime to women in 846 woredas who are not able to aquire mobile services. The distribution of the mobile handset starts from 01 March 2019. Ethio telecom recognizes the disparity in mobile phone ownership between men and women in low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. As per the Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association (GSMA) data, women in low- and middle-income countries are, on average, 10% less likely to own a mobile phone than men, which translates into 184 million fewer women owning mobile phones. The data further shows even when women own mobile phones, there is a significant gender gap in usage, particularly for more transformational services, such as mobile internet. Over 1.2 billion women in in the mentioned countries do not use mobile internet, which accounts for 26% less likely usage of mobile internet than men, on average. Specific to our country, Ethio telecom is working on data clarity to provide accurate information regarding the number of women connected within its network. Women face enormous challenges with respect to health, educational, and economic empowerment. There is an important role of mobile service in the field of women empowerment and such empowerment could highly be observed in the urban areas as compared to the rural areas – that is why our company has given particular attention to rural women in the distribution of mobile phones. We strongly believe that mobile service is changing the way people lead their lives; mobile phones are important tools for enhancing the day to day lives of people. As a result, we have taken this initiative to connect Ethiopian women with social and economic resources. By extending the benefits of mobile connection to more women, various social and economic goals can be achieved in Ethiopia, including improved access to information, social connection, education, healthcare, business, employment opportunities and more. Furthermore, increasing access to information and social connection improve a sense of opportunity to women. Happy March 8 International Women’s Day! Women Need to be Part of the Digital World!