Internet use among Gujarat women rises sharply, NFHS-6 shows

Internet and smartphone use among women in Gujarat has increased significantly over the past few years, according to findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), highlighting a major shift in digital access and online engagement across the state.

The survey found that 65.7% of women in Gujarat use the internet, while 58.8% use a mobile phone. The figures indicate substantial growth compared with the previous round of the survey, reflecting the expanding reach of digital technologies among women.

The rise comes amid ongoing efforts by governments and institutions to promote digital literacy and improve access to online services, particularly for women and rural communities.

Internet use records biggest increase

According to the survey, internet usage among women has risen by 30% points since the previous NFHS round.

Overall, 65.7% of women reported using the internet. However, the survey revealed a significant urban-rural divide.

Among urban women, 81.3% use the internet, compared with 54.3% of women in rural areas.

The findings suggest that while digital connectivity has expanded considerably, access remains uneven across different regions of the state.

Mobile phone access also increases

The survey found that 58.8% of women use a mobile phone, representing an increase of 10 percentage points compared with the previous survey.

Mobile phone usage is considerably higher in urban areas, where 76% of women reported using a mobile phone. In rural areas, the figure stood at 49.2%.

The gap points to continuing differences in access to digital devices, despite overall improvements in connectivity.

Urban-rural divide remains evident

The NFHS-6 data indicate that women living in urban areas are more likely to have access to smartphones, internet services and digital resources than their rural counterparts.

While internet and mobile phone adoption has grown across Gujarat, the survey suggests that disparities in digital access continue to persist. Factors such as infrastructure availability, affordability and digital literacy may influence the pace of adoption in different regions.

Growing role of digital technology in daily life

The increase in internet and mobile phone usage reflects the growing integration of digital technology into everyday activities. Online communication, information access, digital services, entertainment and e-commerce have become increasingly common among users.

The survey findings underscore the rapid expansion of digital connectivity among women in Gujarat while also highlighting the continuing challenge of ensuring more equitable access across urban and rural communities.

Key NFHS-6 findings

Mobile phone usage among women

58.8% of women use a mobile phone

76% of urban women use a mobile phone

49.2% of rural women use a mobile phone

Mobile phone usage has increased by 10 percentage points since the previous survey

Internet usage among women

65.7% of women use the internet

81.3% of urban women use the internet

54.3% of rural women use the internet

Internet usage has increased by 30 percentage points since the previous survey