Women, Misinformation, and the Digital Divide
In many African towns and townships, the internet offers hope for opportunity, connection, and self-expression. Yet for women, being online often means facing risks, uncertainty, and misinformation. Every young women from South African townships search online for jobs and information but encounter misleading content and the threat of harassment. They cannot always afford data, and often turn to less reliable sources. For many, getting online is just the first step. The real challenge is making digital spaces safe, honest, and welcoming. Their experiences show why it’s so important to make internet access both affordable and reliable for women. Doing so can help reduce misinformation and create a more supportive online environment.
The Gendered Digital Divide
When we talk about the digital divide, we usually think of it as simply being online or offline. But for women, the divide is more complicated. The limited access, low digital literacy, and social expectations make the online world even harder to navigate.
In Africa, 46% of men use the internet, compared with 34% of women. This gap represents a striking disparity; it equates to millions of women being left offline, as if the combined female populations of several major cities were entirely disconnected from one another. Such a divide curtails the potential economic and social advancements that could significantly benefit communities and limits individual opportunities. ACCORD
Across sub-Saharan Africa, the mobile internet gender gap fell from 36% in 2022 to 29% in 2024. This is progress, but a large gap still remains. Connecting Africa+1
Globally in 2024, there were 189 million more men than women online. ITU
These numbers hide real experiences. Some women cannot afford data, some are discouraged by their families from owning devices, and others live in places without steady electricity or internet.
In South Africa, for example, research indicates that women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those reliant on government support are less likely to invest in digital access, even as digital transformation accelerates. ResearchGate
When women are offline or only occasionally online, they are more likely to fall for misinformation. During the many hours they are not connected, they may depend on social media forwards, WhatsApp messages, or word-of-mouth stories. Thinking of access as a steady connection, not just occasional availability, shows why digital literacy is so important. Policymakers can help by supporting community Wi-Fi or lowering data costs, making it easier for them to stay connected and avoid misinformation.
When Misinformation Becomes a Gendered Weapon
Misinformation is rarely neutral. Gender stereotypes mean that false stories often target women in harmful ways, such as spreading rumors about their character, appearance, or health, or making up lies about their political goals. Algorithms in search and recommendation systems can make things worse by promoting content that reinforces these stereotypes. This link between misinformation and digital systems shows how false information can be used to control women, making it urgent for platforms to take action.
In African contexts, gendered disinformation has become a tactic to silence women leaders and public voices. A recent study described coordinated campaigns that degrade female politicians, circulate false sexualized images, or spread rumors about their competence — all as tools of intimidation. Institute of Development Studies
During South Africa’s 2024 elections, reports documented how technology-assisted gendered abuse and disinformation were used to suppress women’s political participation. ISD
Technologies like generative AI, deepfakes, and edited media make these risks worse. Research ICT Africa notes that social media, AI, and gender-based violence are connected, and that hidden platform systems and algorithms focused on engagement can increase harm to women. To address these problems, regular checks like AI impact assessments and clear reporting can help ensure AI is used responsibly. The European Union, for example, is working on rules that require these checks, and Canada has a policy to review AI systems for fairness and accountability. Research ICT Africa+1
So, misinformation is not just about spreading false facts. For women online, it often becomes a way to control and limit them.
Resistance and Reclaiming Digital Truth
Despite these challenges, women across Africa are taking action. Through storytelling, fact-checking, digital education, and activism, they are creating online spaces where truth and dignity matter.
In South Africa’s rural Eastern Cape, local women run community workshops that teach others how to check forwarded messages and ask questions about viral content.
Initiatives like Africa Check, and Code for Africa are partnering with journalists and local fact-checkers to localise verification in regional languages.
In Nigeria and Kenya, women in civic tech roles are working to map gendered misinformation trends and propose platform accountability measures.
These women are storytellers, educators, and creators who are shaping the online story from the inside.
Safer Digital Futures Through Policy, Practice & Community
How can we move from reacting to problems to empowering women online? Here are a few ways forward:
Expand Access and Digital Literacy
Access should be affordable, reliable, and truly useful. We need to lower data costs, make devices more affordable, and improve connections in rural areas. Digital literacy means more than just getting online. It includes being able to access the internet, judge the trustworthiness of information, and create and share accurate content. Breaking digital literacy into these parts helps program leaders plan better and shows funders what training is needed. Tracking progress with clear measures, such as increases in women’s digital skills or reduced exposure to misinformation, can help target support where it’s needed most. It’s about more than just learning to use WhatsApp.
Multilingual and Culturally Relevant Content
Many women use the internet in their home languages, but a lot of misinformation is made or shared in bigger languages. This makes local users more likely to be misled. Platforms and NGOs should support fact-checking, content moderation, and education in many languages to make sure information is accurate and inclusive.
Social media companies need to think about gender when setting moderation rules, adjusting algorithms, and detecting harassment. They should be open about their processes and offer ways for users to report problems. Protecting women from harm should be a main goal, not an afterthought. For example, before Elon Musk's takeover, Twitter’s Trust and Safety Council started projects to make online spaces safer for women. Pointing to these efforts shows that real change is possible.
Policy and Legal Protections
Online safety legislation must recognize technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) and misinformation against women as rights violations. Existing frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and model laws like the Council of Europe's Convention on Cybercrime, can provide a foundation for addressing these issues. Governments should partner with civil society and expert networks to co-design enforcement measures that strike a balance between free speech and protection. Combating Discrimination Based on Sex and Gender.
Community Action and Storytelling
Grassroots projects like community fact-checking groups, women-led digital clubs, and storytelling campaigns are more than just helpful, they are creative spaces leading digital change. These groups share knowledge and help shape better online resources. By supporting women’s voices and storytelling, peer learning becomes a place for trust and shared growth, offering what algorithms often miss.
It’s About Dignity
For too long, stories about women online have focused on what they lack or the risks they face. It’s time to change the story to one of agency, voice, and the right to be heard without fear. Policymakers can help by making data plans affordable for women, supporting digital literacy programs designed for them, and setting up clear laws to fight online gender-based violence. By taking action, we can move from talk to real progress and build a fairer digital world.
Misinformation is most damaging when it targets those who are already marginalised. When women have safe access to education, resources, and inclusion, misinformation loses its power. Let’s not just close the digital divide. Let’s reclaim digital dignity.