This study evaluates a large-scale state-sponsored program in India that aimed to close the digital gender gap by distributing free smartphones to women and expanding 4G network access in rural areas. While the program initially succeeded in reversing gender gaps in smartphone ownership, these gains were short-lived. Over time, many women lost control of the devices, and men became the primary users. Nearly five years later, the program showed limited long-term impact on outcomes such as phone use, gender norms, information access, or local economic activity—though some labor market shifts were observed. Despite broader household adoption of smartphones, persistent digital gender gaps remain. The findings highlight that in gender-unequal and resource-constrained environments, improving affordability alone is not sufficient to sustainably close digital access gaps for women.
Author: Giorgia, Barboni; Anwesha, Bhattacharya; Erica, Field; Rohini, Pande; Natalia, Rigol; Simone, Schaner; Aruj, Shukla; Charity, Moore
Type: Working Paper
Year: 2024
