30
vritti
Changing Lives
May 2017
In some Middle Eastern countries, men randomly
dial mobile numbers till they reach a woman. In
many emerging markets in Asia, Africa and Latin
America, women have to think twice before
sharing their number with retailer because of the
fear of being overheard by a stranger. Often the
number is sold by the retailer to miscreants,
multiplying the problem. These miscreants are
known to call up women frequently and pass
derogatory comments, leading to a feeling of fear
and insecurity in these women. For example, in
India's largest state Uttar Pradesh, some
recharge retailers are known to sell mobile
number of their women customers for a hefty
price. The mobile number of women can fetch a
price ranging from INR 50 (US$ 0.77) to INR 500
(US$ 7.72), depending on looks. This has led to
sharp increase in harassing and abusive calls in
the state. Between 15 November 2012 and 31
December 2016, Uttar Pradesh Police received
582,854 complaints on Women's Help Line 1090
F I G U R E
related to harassment on phone. Complaints
related to harassment on phone constitute 88%
of the total complaints received by police on
Women Help Line 1090.[1]
In case male members of the family come to
know about the harassment calls, they usually
suspect the women of being a willing victim.
Thus, restrictions are put on women and they
become dependent on the men in their family for
recharge. As men recharge women's phone as
per their convenience, women have zero balance
for long duration leading to decline in their mobile
usage. In some cases, women are completely
restricted from using the mobile phone
broadening the mobile ownership gender gap.
GSMA report 'Bridging the Gender Gap: Mobile
Access and Usage in Low- and Middle-Income
Countries' also highlights harassment from
strangers as one of the key barriers for women in
owing or using a mobile phone. The issue is
experienced globally as shown in figure 1. [2]
1
Female respondents who agree or strongly agree that harassment from strangers
is a barrier to owning or using a mobile (%)
76% 74%
MEXICO
COLOMBIA
Source: GSMA [2]
69% 58% 55% 40% 33%
CHINA JORDAN EGYPT TURKEY INDIA
28%
INDONESIA
22%
KENYA
21%
NIGER
19%
DRC