Closing the Digital Gap: Challenges and Prospects for Gender Equality in South Africa

Abstract

Purpose: In order to bridge the digital divide and advance women’s empowerment in South Africa, the study set out to analyse the opportunities and potential solutions.

Methodology: A more thorough grasp of the problem was obtained by the study by combining quantitative and qualitative data. Surveys revealed the frequency of challenges encountered by a larger group of women and case studies gave in-depth explanations of effective programs and their effects. Policymakers, non-governmental organizations and tech companies striving for a more equitable and inclusive digital landscape for everyone in South Africa that can benefit greatly from this article analysis of existing research by Pokpas, Craffert, Van Audenhove and Marien (2019) and its presentation of successful initiatives that address these issues. Regarding the sampling technique of this target population, it included non-Heterosexual women who have been affected by digital divide in rural and urban areas of South Africa and that are interested in policies, non-Governmental organizations and tech industries. The target population was drawn from women who are working class and those that are not working and a total of 100 participants were selected based on both the stratified random sampling technique and purposive sampling technique. In the research study, both the techniques used to sample the participants included: The stratified random sampling was used to ensure that the sample represents the target population, while purposive sampling was used so that I could get participants who had more information on the issues at hand.

Findings: The study produced a number of useful findings. For example, a systematic review of previous research identified the main barriers that women face which include unequal access to devices and internet connectivity especially in rural areas (Pokpas,et al, 2019). Women’s ability to use technology effectively is limited by significant gaps in digital literacy (Alozie & Akpan‐Obong, 2017). Women are discouraged by cultural norms and traditional gender roles from engaging in online activities or pursuing careers in technology (Hernandez & Roberts, 2018). Concerns about gender-based violence cyberbullying and online harassment prevent women from fully utilizing the digital world (Sicat,et.al, 2020). The World Bank blog on [Leveraging technology to close gaps between men and women] highlighted successful initiatives that address these issues including mobile applications created through hackathons to empower women to report violence and programs that offer digital literacy training specifically for girls (GirlCode).

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was informed by  Intersectionality Theory to investigate how women’s experiences of the digital divide in South Africa are influenced by the intersection of gender race class and disability. Feminist Theory also investigate how gender norms and stereotypes sustain the digital gender gap this study draws on feminist theory emphasizing the need for interventions that question conventional gender roles and advance women’s digital literacy by looking at how these norms restrict women’s ability to engage in the digital economy. The study supports community-based programs that encourage digital inclusion. These programs have the potential to establish secure and easily accessible environments for women to acquire digital skills and establish connections with online resources by collaborating with local organizations and community leaders. Women can take advantage of the opportunities provided by digital technologies if policymakers integrate gender equality considerations into national digital strategies. This study highlights the significance of funding digital infrastructure especially in underserved and rural areas. The digital divide can be closed, and a more equitable digital environment can be created for all South Africans by policymakers through increasing broadband access and enhancing connectivity.