Women form only one-third of India’s Internet population: Google

A recent survey conducted by Google, has discovered that only one-third of the total Indian population with access to the Internet are women and 49% of them did not feel the need to access the Internet.

Gizbot reported, Marketing Director for Google India, Sandeep Menon, has stated that lack of awareness in Indian women about the benefits of the Internet is a big reason for the alarming figures. 

The study titled 'Women & Technology' which involved 828 women aged 8 to 55, found that affordability, time and Internet connection issues were the primary contributing factors. Participants in the study revealed, they didn't have time to surf the Internet due to household chores which took up most of their time. The women also stated that privacy was a major problem, as some feared that they might anger their in-laws for being on the Internet for too long.

The report suggested smartphones and Internet cafes could be an affordable alternative, which could also ensure privacy for Indian women to freely  access the web.

According to the report, women who are currently online are from a moderately higher income and were generally single, younger and students.  However, 32% of non-Internet users intend to use the Internet, and 46% non-users in the age group from 18 to 29 are likely to soon use the Internet.

Upon releasing the report, Google has launched a new film to inspire the youth to help introduce their mothers to the web. The launch is a way to educate women in large numbers about the world of the Internet.