## 6 Potential Benefits of Internet Use and Initiatives to Reduce the Digital Gender Divide
### Education and Training Initiatives  
With regards to increased life opportunities for women in developing countries, the Internet can reduce physical barriers to education and learning by allowing women to receive long-distance education via the Internet, particularly with the rise of high quality, free courses in a wide range of disciplines--the MOOC phenomena (Massively Open Online Course). It is not enough to simply have access to ICTs. It is equally important that women have the knowledge and resources to translate access into effective use. ICT initiatives will only be effective if the information is useful and relevant to the end user and where the end-users have the capacity to act on it [19]. Intel recognises the vital role technology plays in both improving the quality of and access to education. Through access to technology, scholarship and community learning programs, Intel provides girls and women with opportunities for quality education and personal growth [36]. In 2012, Intel joined with various organisations to improve education systems across the Asia Pacific. The Easy Steps Program is a digital literacy program for learners with little or no prior computer experience. The program has been implemented in the Philippines and its reach expanded through social media, namely a Filipino Facebook page. This online content has since been translated and implemented in other Asia Pacific countries. The Easy Steps Program focuses specifically on instruction for women and includes skills training in running Internet searches, using email and word processors for creating resumes and other documents, and creating spreadsheets to manage business and personal finances. The program facilitates the development of digital literacy skills and, more importantly, allows women to immediately apply these skills in their personal or professional lives [37].  
In 2013, following the release of the \"Women and the Web\" report, Intel announced the She Will Connect [36] program--a new initiative to reduce the gender and technical gap around the world. The aim of the program is to expand digital literacy skills to young women in developing countries. The initiative commenced in Africa, where the gender gap is greatest, with a goal to reach five million women and so reduce the gender gap by 50%. The long-term aim of the She Will Connect Project is to double the number of women and girls in developing countries from 600 million to 1.2 billion in three years. Similarly, the Telecentre Women: Digital Literacy Campaign is a global initiative to empower women with knowledge of ICTs for their personal growth. The program has provided digital literacy training to over one million women, which increases her value in the family and the wider community. The Telecentre woman becomes more employable, is able to contribute more and is an asset to any enterprise [18]. Digital literacy training for women is a common theme in these solutions to bridge the gender digital divide. The Women's Annex Foundation [31] was established to empower women in Central Asia by building access to the Internet and developing women's digital literacy skills. This foundation had expanded and now includes digital literacy training for women and children in 245 countries so that they can create a sustainable economic model for themselves and their families.