The use of mHealth within health systems research is increasing, but few projects have taken into account the connections between gender and mHealth.

In many societies women have lower literacy and less access to technology and other resources. Women are also not encouraged to be inquisitive about health. mHealth interventions can lead to increased domestic conflict and violence, particularly if spouses do not agree about whether to take part. They can undermine women’s privacy and increase monitoring of women’s movements. Interventions that target women, or are meant to be for both men and women, can at times be dominated by men.

It can also have positive effects. mHealth can increase women’s decision-making, social status, and access
to health resources. It can raise their social status and skills. It can also increase men’s access to sexual and reproductive health information and therefore support couple communication.

Unintended consequences are likely when attempting to transform gender relations. Gender considerations, along with other social determinants, need to be incorporated from the start of interventions. Gender dynamics in need to be monitored over time. Women’s voices, participation, and ongoing relationships with men based on equality must be central to how interventions and policies are developed and implemented.

This policy brief explores key connections between mHealth and gender that need to be taken into account when conducting or implementing mHealth research and interventions. It provides recommendations, case studies and further reading on the topic.

By Linda Waldman, Rosemary Morgan and Asha George.

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