The team from Flow St. Maarten strikes the #GiveToGain pose in support of International Women’s Day.

As the global community prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, leading telecoms provider Liberty Caribbean is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity to help empower women and girls.

The operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, says industry focus on reliable networks, affordable access and purpose-built digital services will open more doors for women and girls to access education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and a stronger civic voice.

“Connectivity changes life trajectories every day, and by ensuring women and girls can access information, services and opportunities safely and reliably, we are helping to create conditions for stronger families, more resilient communities and wider economic participation,” said Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer, Liberty Caribbean.

The team from Flow Grenada strikes the #GiveToGain pose in support of International Women’s Day.

The company has produced a special campaign in support of this year’s theme, #GiveToGain, that includes a video series on in its LinkedIn page featuring twelve extraordinary women from across the business.

These short films will share real stories of leadership, innovation, and community impact, illustrating how talent and connectivity combine to drive progress.

Local markets are also mobilising practical support by partnering with women-focused organisations and community groups.

Teams across the region are collecting feminine products and essential toiletries for donation to local NGOs, community-based organisations, shelters and schools, ensuring vulnerable women and girls receive direct, tangible support.

“We will continue to leverage our platforms, partnerships, and investment to reduce digital barriers and promote programmes that equip women and girls, especially in the Caribbean, with the tools they need to learn, work and lead. We are committed to turning the promise of #GiveToGain into measurable outcomes that strengthen opportunity and inclusion across the communities we serve,” added Smidts.

Across the Caribbean and Latin America, connectivity is steadily reshaping opportunities for women and girls, though some critical gaps remain.

Encouragingly, recent data from leading ICT industry publication Telecom Review Americas shows the gender gap in mobile internet adoption has effectively closed, declining from 5% in 2017 to zero by 2024.

This signals major progress in digital inclusion and reflects years of investment in mobile infrastructure, affordability initiatives, and digital literacy programs.

Device ownership remains a key factor influencing meaningful participation in the digital economy.

While the gender gap in mobile phone ownership in Latin America has narrowed to about 1%, a 4% gap persists in smartphone ownership, translating to approximately eighty million women without smartphones.

“Connectivity is a tangible catalyst for social and economic empowerment. Expanding access to reliable broadband and mobile networks helps women launch businesses, pursue remote learning, access telehealth, and build professional networks beyond geographic limitations.

In island states especially, where distance can constrain opportunity, inclusive connectivity strengthens resilience, supports gender equality, and accelerates national development,” added Smidts.

“Continued investment in digital infrastructure, affordability, and skills training will be essential to ensure every woman and girl can fully benefit from the possibilities of a connected future.”