The expansion of the mobile industry across developing and emerging markets enables a number of social and economic opportunities. In addition to the benefits that mobile technology provides, mobile network operators (MNOs) themselves can offer many opportunities for basic employment and entrepreneurial activity. Some women have been able to benefit from these opportunities, while many others remain marginalised.

In this report, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women investigates the gender composition of the ‘mobile value chain’ (MVC) in 11 different markets around the world. The report examines the current level of women’s participation in the MVC and the benefits of such participation both for MNOs and for women entrepreneurs. In addition to undertaking an analysis of the MVC, the report broadens its scope to encompass the wider political, social and institutional conditions in each market. It includes interviews with policy makers and other stakeholders who have an interest in women’s economic empowerment in the markets concerned