Women’s Perceptions and Uses of Information and Communication Technologies in Nigeria and China: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Nigeria and China were probably experiencing roughly similar economic fortunes only about two decades ago. Then, both had large populations and very low per capita incomes. But their socio-economic fortunes and growth rates have diverged dramatically since, with China now being a superpower and the second largest economy in the world, while Nigeria is still tottering along as one of the poorest countries in the world in terms of various global human development indices and rankings. The rapid economic transformations that China has experienced should normally be expected to be accompanied by equally dramatic socio-cultural changes, including the emancipation and greater participation of women in national economic activities. This study sought to investigate the extent to which women in China participate now in the ICT sector of their country compared to women in Nigeria. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to cross sections of 123 and 151 women surveyed in purposively selected cities in Nigeria and China respectively. Women in both countries recognize the importance of ICT, but those in Nigeria were constrained from full utilization of ICT benefits due to electricity supply problems, financial constraints and inadequate training for ICT. The study found that improved levels of education of women promote the adoption and use of ICT by women in both countries, and that owning personal computers and the availability of time for women helped to increase participation of women in ICT. Some recommendations were made based on the findings.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Emerging Economies: a Conceptual Model

“…Information Communication Technologies (ICT) refers to the integration of telecommunications networks, computers, and audiovisual systems used to create, access, store, transmit, and manipulate information (Ojokoh et al, 2013). It includes computer software and hardware, computer networks, the Internet, electronic mail, business, computer games, and the more recent digital social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube (Marcelle, 2000).…”

“…Access to ICT allows societies and groups to transform their social, political, and economic lives by changing and reshaping processes. Among many benefits, ICT offers higher efficiency and productivity; faster accumulation, sharing, creation, and transfer of knowledge; better collaboration and communication; and faster transfer of financial and political information (Ojokoh et al, 2013).…”

“…Women not only doubt their own capabilities, they also perceive their environments as having fewer business opportunities across all regions of the world. At the 2002 World Summit on the Information Society, information communication technologies were described as a tool to empower women so as to improve their participation in the economy and in their quality of life and, thus, their self-efficacy (Obayelu & Ognlade, 2006;Ojokoh, Zhang, Oluwadare, & Akintola, 2013). As noted, at a macro-level self-efficacy and social inclusion, via the development of social relationships, go hand-in-hand.…”

Empowerment and Entrepreneurship on WeChat: A Focus on Shared Stories of Muslim Women Entrepreneurs in China

“…The impact of digital technology innovation on female entrepreneurship has been studied in many previous articles. ICT brings enormous benefits to society, such as changing cultural activities, society, and the economy, while increasing productivity, expanding the customer base, and being able to access partnership opportunities to help others increase sales and revenue (Ojokoh, Zhang, Oluwadare. & Akintola, 2013).…”

Determinants of Social Media Usage in Business by Women: Age and Development of the Country

“…Phone users with higher levels of education are more likely to interact more regularly through social media than those with lower levels of education [5]. ICT access escalates higher efficiency, productivity, faster information sharing among employees, and supports creation and transfer of knowledge that enhances collaboration and communication due to faster transfer of information [36,37]. According to research, social media usage by women entrepreneurs in emerging economies increases a woman's self-efficacy and social capital [38].…”