Dissecting the digital divide: A household fixed effects approach to estimating gender gaps in digital skills of youth in low- and middle-income economies
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Young women face significant digital skill gaps in low- and middle-income countries. Wealthier households show larger gender disparities in digital inclusion, impacting young women.
Area Of Science
- Digital Inclusion
- Gender Studies
- International Development
Background
- Digital skills are crucial for youth participation in the modern economy.
- Gender disparities in digital access and literacy persist globally.
- Low- and middle-income economies face unique challenges in bridging the digital divide.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate gender gaps in digital skills among youth aged 15-24.
- To analyze these disparities within 32 low- and middle-income economies.
- To identify factors contributing to gender-based inequalities in digital literacy.
Main Methods
- Utilized data from UNICEF-supported Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS).
- Employed a household fixed effects approach to isolate gender disparities.
- Conducted supplementary analysis using a mixed-effects model for within- and between-household variation.
Main Results
- Significant gender inequalities were found, with young women disadvantaged in digital skills, even basic ones.
- Wealthier households exhibited larger gender gaps in digital skills.
- A floor effect in the poorest households contributed to the observed disparities.
Conclusions
- Urgent policy interventions are needed to address gender gaps in digital skills.
- Targeted strategies are required to promote digital inclusion for young women.
- Reducing gender disparities in digital skills is essential for equitable development.
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