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How Satellite Communication is Advancing Gender Equality in Digital Transformation
By: Evans Akpene Yaw Adom, Satellite Field Technician, EORIC-UENR
Every year on May 17, the world celebrates World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), a day dedicated to raising awareness of the possibilities that the internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) can bring to societies and economies. This year, 2025, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) highlights the pressing need to advance digital gender equality so that women and girls everywhere can benefit from and contribute to digital transformation. WTISD 2025 also marks the 160th anniversary of founding the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The article commemorates WTISD 2025 under the theme “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation” to highlight satellite communication’s role in advancing gender equality in digital transformation.
Satellite Connectivity: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers
Digital technologies can accelerate societal advancements, but many remain unconnected, particularly women and girls. Barriers such as internet accessibility, affordability, and a lack of digital skills limit their economic participation and influence future innovations. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Facts and Figures 2024 report, around 70 per cent of men globally are using the Internet in 2024, while the percentage for women stands at 65 per cent. Closing this gap is crucial for promoting economic growth, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainable development.
Satellite technology has proven transformative in advancing digital inclusion. It provides dependable, high-speed internet access in areas where fibre-optic cables are impractical. Moreover, beyond technological advancements, satellites are contributing to the development of a more equitable digital landscape, especially for women and girls.
Recent developments and innovations in satellite technology are breaking down barriers to internet accessibility, cost, and reliability, particularly in remote and underserved regions. Notable advancements that are enhancing internet penetration in Africa include:
- The launch of the YahClick service in 2012 introduced the first High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) using Ka-band broadband technology in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) by Yahsat.
- The introduction of the Eutelsat Konnect service in 2020, which utilises Very High Throughput Satellite (VHTS) technology in Geostationary Orbit (GEO).
- The deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites from companies such as SpaceX (Starlink), OneWeb, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper. These LEO constellations operate at a lower altitude, resulting in decreased latency and improved data transmission speeds.
1. Expanding Access to Education
In underserved regions, girls often miss educational opportunities due to inadequate infrastructure. Satellite connectivity enables schools to access online resources, virtual classrooms, and remote learning platforms. An example is the Government of Ghana’s Wi-Fi for Schools programme implemented in 2020, which connects 700 schools, with about 50% of them utilising the YahClick service.
“When girls are connected, they are empowered to learn, grow, and lead”.
2. Creating Economic Opportunities for Women
With satellite-powered internet, women can start digital businesses, work remotely, and participate in freelancing and e-commerce. An example is the implementation of the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project, of which 2016 rural telephony sites are to be constructed to extend mobile network coverage to approximately four (4) million residents of selected unserved and underserved communities to bridge the digital divide. This is vital in communities where societal norms or safety concerns restrict women’s physical mobility.
“Connectivity gave me a new life,” says a young female coder from a village in Northern Ghana who works remotely for a tech firm.
3. Enabling Women’s Participation in Public Life
From engaging in community discussions to joining digital campaigns, satellite internet provides a platform for women’s voices. Women can access online civic platforms, government e-services, and social media networks to express opinions and organise.
“Empowered women = empowered communities”.
4. Supporting Health and Safety for Women
Satellite technology enhances telemedicine in rural areas, especially maternal care, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) reporting and response systems, and crisis communication during emergencies and natural disasters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, satellite links enabled remote consultations and health advisories in isolated communities—a lifeline for many women.
5. Providing Gender Data for Better Policy
Remote sensing and satellite imagery support data collection on population dynamics, healthcare access, and education, helping policymakers create gender-responsive solutions.
“Better data leads to better decisions and better outcomes for women”.
Conclusion: The Sky Is No Longer the Limit
Satellite communications are more than just a technological innovation. They are a powerful tool for social transformation, helping to close gender gaps and drive digital inclusion across the globe. As we celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, let’s recognise and invest in technologies that create equal opportunities for all, especially those who have been historically marginalised.
“Because when women are connected, entire communities thrive”.