GENDER INEQUALITY AND ACCESS TO THE INTERNET: A STUDY OF LAFIA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA
1 Department of Sociology University of Abuja AbujaNigeria
2 Department of Sociology Federal University of Lafia Nasarawa StateNigeria
* Corresponding author: igubersoc@yahoo.com
2 Department of Sociology Federal University of Lafia Nasarawa StateNigeria
* Corresponding author: igubersoc@yahoo.com
Abstract
Electronic communications networks that connects
people the world over is fast becoming cheaper,
purposeful and beneficial to users. However, in this age of
modern technologies, the idea of mainstreaming the
female gender, especially in male-dominated cultures
into this social activity and civilization is still a far cry. A
high percentage of the population constituting of women
have limited or no access to the internet. The study
identified major obstacles limiting women's access to the
internet and how to increase network access. Therefore,
this study explores gender inequality and their privation
to social media usage. Its major argument is that the
internet which is supposed be an empowering
mechanism for women as development partners in
society are deprived of the gains and participation in that
space. The study assumes that; the internet has the
potential to promote gender equality, increase
productivity, reduce poverty and contribute to
sustainable development. Besides, it would lead to job
creation and consequently increase people's income with
a multiplier effect of ergonometric. It is believed that
nations that develop the capacity to manage valuable
information within the cyber space and make such
accessible to their citizens are likely to experience
enhanced productivity and greater wealth. Considering
the importance of the new media platforms; internet
connectivity and usage can be greatly improved through
the inclusion of women bearing in mind their population
in society. The study applied the liberal feminist theory,
and it employed quantitative and qualitative method of
data collection. Questionnaire was administered to one
hundred and twenty five women who were randomly
selected, and for the qualitative data, in-depth interview
was utilized. The study concludes that; the nature and
level of women's participation in the internet in Lafia
Metropolis is abysmal. The study recommends that more
women need to be enlighten on the importance of the
usefulness of the internet in the modern world as well as
calling for safer cyber space
Keywords
Gender
Empowerment
Gender in Inequality
Internet
Access
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How to Cite
IGUBE, R. B., & EJUE, F. U. (2021). GENDER INEQUALITY AND ACCESS TO THE INTERNET: A STUDY OF LAFIA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA. Humanity - Jos Journal Of General Studies, 12(1), 142-149. https://doi.org/10.67862/hjjgs.2021.djredmqe
R. B. IGUBE, and F. U. EJUE, "GENDER INEQUALITY AND ACCESS TO THE INTERNET: A STUDY OF LAFIA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA," Humanity - Jos Journal Of General Studies, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 142-149, January 2021. doi: 10.67862/hjjgs.2021.djredmqe
