Demand for Mobile Broadband Use by South African Households: Does Gender Matter

Abstract

Gender equality is crucial to a thriving, contemporary economy that will ultimately benefit everyone in addition to being a fundamental human right. The emergence of the digital era has created new opportunities for the economic empowerment of women and has the potential to advance the cause of gender equality. Internet, digital platforms, mobile phones, and digital financial services may empower women to earn more money, expand their employment alternatives, and gain access to general information and expertise. They will be able to advance past men because they will have access to these opportunities. The goal of the study was to ascertain how gender affected South African household demand for mobile broadband. The findings show that the demand for mobile broadband among South African households is significantly influenced by gender. The data shows that compared to being female, being male increases the probability of needing mobile broadband service. The fact that males had 1.812 times more likelihood than females to pursue mobile broadband may be due to gender-based disparities in the availability of income. In order to increase women's levels of productivity, economic security, and overall quality of life, the study's findings recommend that the government implement programmes to promote their use of mobile broadband. Affordability, a lack of education and skills, and technological literacy should also be at the centre of policy objectives designed to increase women's desire for internet access.