Digital Empowerment of Women: The Role of the Internet in an Online University Setting

Authors

  • Sama Nasrati Zarghoona High School, Kabul, Afghanistan
  • Dina Khalil Faculty of Curative Medical, Zan Online University, Afghanistan
  • Lima Ahmadi University of the People, United States of America
  • Tamanna Quraishi Online Women University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59535/sehati.v2i3.326

Keywords:

Digital Empowerment, Online Education, Internet Connectivity, Professional Development, Socio-Economic Barriers

Abstract

This study explores the impact of digital empowerment on female students in online university settings, focusing on internet connectivity, digital tools, and barriers to success. Using a survey distributed through Google Forms, we collected responses from 120 female participants across four faculties: Medical, Economics, Computer Science, and Education. The purpose was to assess how reliable internet access influences academic performance and engagement, evaluate the effectiveness of digital resources for professional skill development, and identify obstacles affecting women's participation. Results revealed that reliable internet access significantly enhances academic performance and engagement. Digital tools were highly rated for their effectiveness in skill development and career advancement. However, technological limitations and socio-economic factors were identified as major barriers. The findings suggest that while online universities offer valuable opportunities, addressing technological and socio-economic challenges is crucial for maximizing their benefits. Recommendations include improving internet infrastructure and providing targeted support to overcome socio-economic barriers. Future research should explore the longitudinal effects of digital empowerment initiatives and their impact on long-term academic and career outcomes for women.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Anunobi, C., & Mbagwu, F. C. (2009). Prevalence of gender discrepancy in Internet use in Nigeria: implication for women empowerment. African Research Review, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.4314/afrrev.v3i1.43572

Apuke, O. D., & Iyendo, T. O. (2018). University students' usage of the internet resources for research and learning: forms of access and perceptions of utility. Heliyon, 4(12). https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(18)34122-7

Beck, C. T. (2005). Benefits of participating in Internet interviews: Women helping women. Qualitative health research, 15(3), 411-422. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732304270837

Borah, S., & Kalita, H. C. (2019). Information communication technology and women empowerment. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 8(5S), 365-368. https://www.phytojournal.com/special-issue?year=2019&vol=8&issue=5S&ArticleId=9214

Hakimi, M., Quchi, M. M., Hasas, A., & Fazil, A. W. (2024). The Transformative Power of Information and Communication Technology in Empowering Women in Afghanistan. Journal of Social Science Utilizing Technology, 2(1), 275-287. https://doi.org/10.70177/jssut.v2i1.702

Hilbert, M. (2011, November). Digital gender divide or technologically empowered women in developing countries? A typical case of lies, damned lies, and statistics. In Women's studies international forum (Vol. 34, No. 6, pp. 479-489). Pergamon. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2011.07.001

Hussain, F., Amin, S. N., & Rezaie, R. (2024). ICTs for Afghan women's empowerment in the pre‐and new‐Taliban era: Roles of gender, education, and crises. The Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries, e12326. https://doi.org/10.1002/isd2.12326

Hussain, N., & Phulpoto, S. (2024). Digital Literacy: Empowering Individuals in the Digital Age. Assyfa Learning Journal, 2(2), 70-83. https://doi.org/10.61650/alj.v2i2.231

Kwapong, O. A. T. F. (2008). An empirical study of information and communication technology for empowerment of rural women in Ghana. African Journal of Information & Communication Technology, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.5130/ajict.v4i3.970

Kyrgidou, L. P., & Petridou, E. (2013). Developing women entrepreneurs' knowledge, skills and attitudes through e‐mentoring support. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 20(3), 548-566. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-04-2013-0061

Miniesy, R., Elshahawy, E., & Fakhreldin, H. (2022). Social media's impact on the empowerment of women and youth male entrepreneurs in Egypt. International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 14(2), 235-262. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJGE-06-2021-0085

Golzard, V. (2020). Economic empowerment of Iranian women through the internet. Gender in Management: An International Journal, 35(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-11-2017-0145

Mughal Awan, M. Z., & Awan, S. A. (2023). Digital Empowerment: Advancing Women’s Economic Status in Developing Countries. Journal of Global Peace and Security Studies (JGPSS), 4(2). Retrieved from https://www.pa

Pattanaik, S., & Mishra, M. (2024). Empowering Women Through Ai: An Anticipation. Journal of Digital Economy, 3(2), 442-461. https://journalofdigitaleconomy.org/index.php/JDE/article/view/87

Quraishi, T., Ulusi, H., Muhid, A., Hakimi, M., & Olusi, M. R. (2024). Empowering students through digital literacy: A case study of successful integration in a higher education curriculum. Journal of Digital Learning and Distance Education, 2(9), 667-681. https://doi.org/10.56778/jdlde.v2i8.208

Shahbazi, H., Hakimi, M., Ulusi, H., Rahimi, B., & Quraishi, T. (2024). Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Women's Empowerment: A Comprehensive Survey. Edutrend: Journal of Emerging Issues and Trends in Education, 1(2), 108-120. https://doi.org/10.59110/edutrend.333

Shirazi, F. (2012). Information and communication technology and women empowerment in Iran. Telematics and Informatics, 29(1), 45-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2011.02.001

Shukla, A., Kushwah, P., Jain, E., & Sharma, S. K. (2021). Role of ICT in emancipation of digital entrepreneurship among new generation women. Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, 15(1), 137-154. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-04-2020-0071

Downloads

Published

2024-09-01

How to Cite

[1]
Sama Nasrati, Dina Khalil, Lima Ahmadi, and Tamanna Quraishi, “Digital Empowerment of Women: The Role of the Internet in an Online University Setting”, Soc. Econ. Hum. Aspects Town. Ind., vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 467–476, Sep. 2024.