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Digital Technology as an Instrument to Bridge the Gender Gaps in Access to Labour Markets

Author

Listed:
  • Cledwyn Fernandez

    (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER))

  • Shravani Prakash
  • Havishaye Puri

Abstract

The gendered nature of digital access posits significant barriers to the utilisation of digital technology for increasing female labour force participation. This paper uses data from a nationally representative survey conducted by the NSSO in 2020-21 to investigate the gendered nature of access to digital technology, and more specifically, access to mobile phones and internet and the effect on female labour force participation rate. On the extensive margin (via increased coverage), overall access to mobile phones increases FLPR in rural India, while on the intensive margin (exclusive mobile access) FLPR improves only in urban India. Furthermore, the availability of internet at home increases the effect of mobile phone use on women's labour market participation in urban India. Lastly, digital literacy enhances the impact of mobile phone use on FLPR, but only in urban India. Based on these results, the authors propose actionable steps that governments, private sector and NGOs can collaboratively implement to enhance women's digital access and provide opportunities that can improve their labour market participation.

Suggested Citation

  • Cledwyn Fernandez & Shravani Prakash & Havishaye Puri, 2024. "Digital Technology as an Instrument to Bridge the Gender Gaps in Access to Labour Markets," Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) Policy Paper 31, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), New Delhi, India.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdc:ppaper:31
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stephan Klasen & Janneke Pieters, 2015. "What Explains the Stagnation of Female Labor Force Participation in Urban India?," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank, vol. 29(3), pages 449-478.
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    3. Paunov, Caroline & Rollo, Valentina, 2016. "Has the Internet Fostered Inclusive Innovation in the Developing World?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 587-609.
    4. Chun, Natalie & Tang, Heiwai, 2018. "Do Information and Communication Technologies Empower Female Workers? Firm-Level Evidence from Viet Nam," ADB Economics Working Paper Series 545, Asian Development Bank.
    5. Nkoumou Ngoa, Gaston Brice & Song, Jacques Simon, 2021. "Female participation in African labor markets: The role of information and communication technologies," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(9).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

    Female; Labour; Mobile Phone; Digital; Literacy; icrier;
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