Closing the Gender Digital Divide in Latin America

In Latin America, the gender digital divide continues to be one of the biggest barriers to women’s development. Digital technologies can be a powerful driver of change, offering unprecedented opportunities in education, employment, and social participation. However, for many Latin American women, accessing these opportunities remains a challenge. Inequality begins at an early age, and if the structural causes are not effectively addressed, this imbalance will continue to persist.

This gap goes beyond access to devices or connectivity. It also involves a lack of skills, gender bias in technology education, and the underrepresentation of women in key sectors such as technology and science. As the region moves toward digitalization, women—especially those living in economically vulnerable situations or rural areas—are at greater risk of being left further behind.

In this article, we will analyze the different components of this gap and explore how education can become the most effective tool for closing the divide between men and women.

The Current State of the Gender Digital Divide in Latin America

The gender digital divide takes various forms, ranging from limited internet access to the low representation of women in technological fields. In this section, we examine these aspects one by one.

Internet Access: The Challenge of Connectivity and Affordability

Latin America ranks fourth globally in terms of internet penetration. However, around 33% of the region’s population still lacks access to this essential resource. This disparity in connectivity becomes even more pronounced when viewed through a gender lens. According to United Nations data, more than 89 million women in Latin America—approximately 40% of the female population—either do not have internet access or cannot afford the service.

What exacerbates this gap is not only a lack of financial resources but also a lack of knowledge and skills. In countries like Mexico, for example, 63% of women who do not use the internet cite a lack of digital skills as the main barrier to accessing the web. This phenomenon is not exclusive to rural areas, although the gap is even wider there. Urban areas also face challenges related to access availability and affordability, especially among low-income women.

One crucial factor determining internet access is the cost of connectivity. Women are overrepresented in lower-income households, meaning they face greater challenges in affording broadband services, whether fixed or mobile. According to estimates from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), for the lowest-income families, the cost of fixed broadband represents an average of 12% of their monthly income, while mobile broadband reaches 14%. These figures highlight how women in the most vulnerable households are at a disadvantage compared to men, who tend to have greater access to and control over financial resources.

Impact of Poverty and Ethnicity

Poverty in Latin America affects 32% of the population, with women—especially those from Indigenous or Afro-descendant communities—being the most impacted. These communities face a double disadvantage, not only due to their gender but also their ethnic background, which limits their ability to access and benefit from technology. The lack of digital connectivity within these groups perpetuates cycles of exclusion and poverty, making it difficult for them to access information, education, and job opportunities.

In many rural areas, the scarcity of infrastructure and basic services, such as electricity and connectivity, highlights the inequalities affecting these communities. This underscores the urgent need for public policies that ensure equitable access to technology.

Economic Consequences: A Costly Divide

The impact of the gender digital divide is not limited to educational or social spheres—it also has far-reaching economic consequences. Women’s exclusion from the digital world limits their job opportunities, access to financial services, and ability to engage in digital entrepreneurship.

According to a report by the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI), if women had the same technological opportunities as men, the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could grow by up to one trillion dollars. This figure highlights the economic potential being lost due to the technological barriers women face in Latin America. The economic impact of female digital exclusion also affects the region, as the lack of women’s participation in the digital environment slows down innovation and productivity.

Latin America in the Global Context: Comparisons and Challenges

Globally, the gender digital divide remains a persistent challenge. According to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in 2022, approximately 62% of men and 57% of women had access to the internet, reflecting a global gap of around 5%. However, the situation varies significantly by region. In Europe, the gender gap in internet access and use is reduced to just 2%, and in some Northern European countries, it is practically nonexistent. Meanwhile, in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, gender digital gaps easily exceed 10 percentage points.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, the difference is approximately 4 percentage points: 69% of men and 65% of women use the internet regularly. Although this gap is smaller than in other regions, it remains a significant barrier—especially considering the internal disparities within Latin America. Rural areas, in particular, face major challenges, as Indigenous communities and regions with poor infrastructure experience a double disadvantage due to both gender and lack of access.

Beyond basic internet access, another key indicator is the availability and use of smartphones. In this regard, the gender gap in Latin America is around 7%, indicating that, although more people own a mobile phone, women are still less likely to have mid-range or high-end devices necessary for more sophisticated, data-intensive activities. This directly impacts women’s economic and social autonomy, making it more difficult for them to access online education platforms, apply for jobs, and use banking and financial applications, among other empowerment opportunities.

Education as a Solution

The role of education in reducing the gender digital divide should not be underestimated. The persistence of this divide is closely linked to the education girls receive from an early age. Early training not only opens doors but also helps women explore and develop technological skills with greater confidence. However, one major obstacle remains: the low participation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. While globally, 35% of students in these disciplines are women, in Latin America, that percentage drops significantly in fields like computer engineering, where in countries such as Brazil or Chile, it does not even reach 15%.

To change this reality, education systems must embrace the idea that female talent can thrive in technology with the right encouragement. From showcasing examples of women who have revolutionized science to offering programming and robotics classes in elementary school, every initiative counts. In Mexico, for example, the “Girls in Science” program creates a safe space for young girls to engage in experiments and innovation. Meanwhile, in Argentina, “Girls in Technology” fosters collaborative environments where young women can create, make mistakes, and try again without fear.

Additionally, teacher training plays a crucial role. Studies indicate that certain biases—sometimes unconscious—within classrooms can discourage girls from solving math problems or engaging in science labs. If educators are trained to recognize and correct these biases, female students can gain confidence in fields traditionally perceived as male-dominated.

Focusing solely on childhood is not enough. When it comes to adult women, digital literacy can be a lifeline. Consider those living in rural areas who have never had the opportunity to learn digital tools: without these skills, it becomes much harder to benefit from online education or e-commerce platforms that could transform their economic reality. Fortunately, in countries like Colombia and Chile, numerous virtual learning programs have emerged, teaching everything from basic email use to introductory programming concepts, paving the way for job and educational opportunities that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

Recommendations and Solutions to Reduce the Digital Gender Divide

Closing the gender digital divide is a challenge that requires collaboration among governments, businesses, educational institutions, and civil society. Below are some practical recommendations to move forward in this direction:

1. Governments. Governments must implement inclusive public policies, such as ensuring universal internet access, subsidizing technology purchases for low-income women, and promoting incentives for more women to enter STEM careers. Initiatives like “Internet for All” in Peru, which aims to reduce the digital divide by expanding internet infrastructure in rural areas, and device purchase subsidies in Costa Rica, which have had a direct impact on digital inclusion for low-income women, have proven to be effective steps in this direction.

2. Businesses. Technology companies must commit to fostering digital diversity through mentorship programs, investment in women-led startups, and salary transparency policies. Companies like Microsoft and Google have implemented programs aimed at increasing female representation in the tech sector. Women at Microsoft, for instance, offers training and professional development opportunities for women in technology, while Google’s commitment to pay parity serves as a model for other corporations. These actions must be expanded, and companies should commit to inclusive hiring practices and the creation of a work environment that encourages equal participation of women.

4. Educational Institutions. Educational institutions, from primary schools to universities, must revise and adapt curricula to integrate digital literacy at all learning stages. Technology education should start early, particularly in areas where women have historically had less access, such as mathematics and computer science. Universities and higher education centers must create mentorship and support programs for women in STEM fields, ensuring they have the tools necessary to overcome the challenges of a male-dominated environment. Additionally, efforts must focus on retaining female talent, as many women leave tech careers due to a lack of support and an unwelcoming atmosphere. Programs like #BlackAndSTEM and Women Who Code are examples of initiatives that are helping create support networks for women in technology and science, both in academic and professional settings.
5. Civil Society. Civil society organizations and movements play a key role in raising awareness about the importance of reducing the digital gender gap. These organizations can lead awareness campaigns and create safe spaces where women can learn, share, and grow in the digital sphere. Community-based digital literacy programs, like those developed in Colombia, have had a positive impact on closing the gap, allowing more women to become empowered with essential digital skills. Initiatives like Girls Who Code aim to inspire and train young girls to take an interest in programming and technology, fostering a supportive ecosystem that helps women recognize their potential in the digital sector. Additionally, organizations promoting women’s access to technology and leadership, such as TechWomen and Women Techmakers, play a crucial role in building support networks, knowledge-sharing, and fostering an inclusive culture.

Towards Full Digital Inclusion for Women

The gender digital divide in Latin America remains a significant challenge—but not an insurmountable one. Investing in women’s digital education is not only a matter of social justice, but also a critical strategy for the region’s economic development.

Now is the time to close the gap. With inclusive policies, appropriate educational programs, and collaboration among all social actors, we can build a future in which all women and girls fully benefit from the digital transformation and actively contribute to the economic and social development of the region.