Send message to Author

Paper short abstract

This paper examines Ghana’s digitalisation policies and their effect on women. This study finds that geographical location, educational background and socio-economic status results in only partial digitalisation which reflects access, knowledge and competency regarding using digital technology.

Paper long abstract

Digitalisation is described as able to empower women by enhancing their economic independence through flexible jobs, adaptable working hours, online entrepreneurship and financial inclusion while also expanding access to education, health, and information among others. Various governments in Ghana have therefore embarked on several digitalisation policy initiatives to make Ghana a digital economy so women can take advantage of the opportunities digitalisation offers to enhance equitable development. In this paper, I examine the extent to which these policy initiatives have been beneficial to women and other vulnerable groups in Ghanaian society. This paper relies on indepth interviews conducted in the Northern, Ashanti and Western regions of Ghana and pertinent literature and policies to assess the effects of digitalisation policies on Ghanaian women. Using the concept of domestic digital divide and intersectionality, I argue that there is a governmental disconnect and technological gap which inhibits rural, poor, uneducated and vulnerable women from accessing the full set of opportunities which digitalisation offers inspite of digitalisation policies. This study shows that one’s geographical location, educational background and socio-economic status determines level of access, knowledge of digitalisation policies and competency regarding using digital technology tools. I conclude that despite the existence of digitalisation policies and institutions tasked with implementation, the result is only partial digitalisation. There is a need for broader citizen centered consultation for effective policy implementation.