Inequality on the internet you didn’t know about

International Women’s Day is a key moment to celebrate the progress made toward gender equality and shine a spotlight on the work still needed to achieve equal rights for all.

Leading up to the 8 March, Masarouna shared social media content about the digital gender gap and its impact on SRHR. As our lives turn increasingly digital, more and more people get information about their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) online. But 43% of women globally do not have internet access compared to 38% of men. This means many women can’t access online SRHR information and services.

We believe the digital gender gap is important because access to SRHR information can save lives. When we have accurate SRHR information, we can make informed decisions about our bodies, our health, and our future. Everyone must have multiple ways to get this information, including online. Having accurate knowledge of family planning and maternal health means healthier parents and babies. Menstrual health awareness reduces reproductive tract infections. When it comes to reproductive cancers, like cervical and breast cancer, knowing when to get tested saves lives.

Bridging the digital gender gap and ensuring SRHR for all has a positive impact not just on ourselves, but on our family, community, and society too. Did you know countries have lost out on $1 trillion in GDP due to women’s exclusion in the digital world? In 2020 alone, the loss to GDP was $126 billion! Everyone benefits from bridging the digital gender gap and ensuring SRHR for all.

In response to this inequality, we say: It’s time to close the gap! Governments and tech companies need to address gender inequality, the underlying cause of the digital gender gap. Governments should also invest more in inclusive digital policy that connects women to the internet and adopts the meaningful connectivity target as a minimum threshold for access. We are also calling for more accountability and transparency from governments and tech companies when it comes to content moderation and censorship of SRHR-related information. Lastly, governments and tech companies need to protect users’ privacy and prevent online abuse and harassment.

Read more about the action here.