Bridging the gender gap in empowerment of rural households: is technology the solution?. Issue 8 (17th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adeyeye, Olajumoke
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 31:Issue 8(2021)
• Page Start: 1109
• Page End: 1122
• Publication Date: 2021-11-17
• Subjects: Empowerment -- dual-adult households -- rural households -- gender -- technology adoption; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2021.1911937
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Using a multidimensional measure of empowerment that focuses on individual capabilities, the study assesses the role of technology in bridging empowerment gap between male and female decision-makers in the same households. The study found women's empowerment to be correlated with adoption of production technologies. However, adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is associated with a widening empowerment gap. This is attributable to poor women's capabilities, ownership of, and control of decision-making on technologies. The study recommends that ICT interventions should be introduced in a way that mutually reinforces equitable decision-making between women and men in rural households.