A spatial analysis of the digital gender gap in South Africa: Are there any fundamental differences?

This research paper explores the gender disparities in accessing and using information and communication technologies (ICT) in various local municipalities in South Africa. A statistical technique called small area estimation (SAE) is utilized to improve the accuracy of the estimates. It involves using both the 2016 Community Survey (CS2016) and the Population Census 2011 (PC2011) and applying methods such as the log-transformed spatial Fay-Herriot (FH) and the hierarchical Bayes spatial FH models. According to the results, the digital statistics estimates generated by the SAE methods at the local municipality level are more precise and efficient than the direct design-based estimates. In other words, combining the CS2016 and PC2011 datasets with the spatial information resulted in more precise estimates. The results also indicate a digital divide between men and women. Specifically, South African men tend to use the internet more than women. However, disparities in cell phone ownership have diminished at the national level, and the gap in some local municipalities, such as Kheis, Midvaal, Kgatelopele, Thabazimbi, and Karoo Hoogland, is >30 %. The results provide evidence of the digital gender divide within South African households at the local municipality level. Indeed, as the Fourth Industrial Revolution is now underway, the analysis of digital statistics can provide policymakers with a clear picture of South Africa's readiness level to welcome this revolution.