Despite worldwide advances in digitization over the past decade, many people are still excluded from the digital economy and miss out on the opportunities it provides. This exclusion, referred to as the digital divide—or “the gap between those who can access the dividends and opportunities of the digital economy, and those who cannot”—is particularly pronounced for women. The challenges women face in accessing the digital ecosystem include obtaining formal identification (ID), owning mobile phones, and possessing digital skills, among others. The gender digital divide has serious repercussions at the household level and in broader society. By 2025, developing economies are anticipated to be missing out on $1.5 trillion in GDP because women do not have full access to the digital economy.

While the gender digital divide persists, there is considerable opportunity for change. Through the private sector and government institutions, the United States can contribute significantly to closing the gender digital divide abroad and enabling digital public infrastructure (DPI) for women. Actions the United States can undertake include expanding existing programs, working with partners to enact gender-inclusive laws and regulations, building secure digital ecosystems, and supporting digital literacy initiatives for women.