A Global Perspective of ICT Development Indices

Abstract

During the last two decades, the world has witnessed phenomenal growth in the use of new information and communication technologies. The digital gender gap is the most visible inequality across all socio-economic groups. Over time, many indices have been computed in order to measure the status of ICTs across the globe, covering a broad range of factors such as access to infrastructure, connectivity, affordability, use, knowledge, and ICT skills. However, none of the indices include any indicator to highlight the gender divide and gender digital divides. As men and women experience use and access to ICT very differently, harnessing the full potential of ICTs for the development of an equitable information society cannot be merely achieved by technological advancement. It is necessary to shift the focus towards the non-user group which largely comprises of women and highlight the gender differences in ICT indices. This will help to give a holistic perspective to ICT indices.