Gender equality in Information Communication Technology (ICT) for attaining sustainable development goal number 5 in South Africa

Abstract

The article reports on the participation of women in Information Communication Technology (ICT) in South African municipalities towards attaining Sustainable Development Goal Number 5 (Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls”). Drawing from the critical theory on women empowerment in ICTs, the article examined how gender equality could benefit or deter women participation in ICT towards achieving SDG 5. Whereas public Information Communication Technology (ICT) hotspots and centres are being set in South African municipalities, women’s participation in ICT is marginally low. This is due to digital illiteracy and the digital divide which are deterrents for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 in South Africa. The article seeks to strike a balance between ICT and gender disparities to promote women equal participation in ICT which is crucial for women emancipation in the digital age. The article draws from an interpretive paradigm where qualitative research methods mainly documents and expansive literature sources were employed as data collection techniques. Findings for the article have shown that gender inequalities exist in the provision of ICTs among women in South Africa. Women are confronted with the digital divide, discrimination, lack of digital expertise, poverty and inequalities, negative perceptions and patriarchal slavery. The conclusions drawn for this article emphasis more on stakeholder inclusion to support women in ICT in South Africa. More training and funding for women to access ICT education remains a key imperative for the achievement of SDG 5. For women to thrive in the male-dominated ICT space, they need to shift the status quo by participating in ICT development. The government of South Africa should enact policies and laws that promote capacity building and women inclusion in ICT for the achievement of SDG 5.