Digitalization and Gender Equality in Political Leadership in Sub-Saharan Africa

June 9, 2023

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Format: Chicago

Diego B. P. Gomes, and Carine Meyimdjui. Digitalization and Gender Equality in Political Leadership in Sub-Saharan Africa, (USA: International Monetary Fund, 2023) accessed December 23, 2024

Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary

We examine the impact of digitalization on people’s perceptions of women as political leaders in 34 Sub-Saharan African countries. We find that being a social media or internet user is linked to a higher likelihood of people supporting gender equality in political leadership. However, the intensive margin of usage does not appear to be significant. Furthermore, women’s perceptions of gender equality in political leadership are more sensitive to internet and social media use than men’s. The paper recommends policies for improving ICT infrastructure and investing in technological education.

Subject: Digitalization, Gender, Gender diversity, Gender inequality, Social networks, Technology, Women

Keywords: Africa, Data detail, Digitalization, Gender, Gender diversity, Gender inequality, IMF working paper 23/122, Internet, Internet user, Political leadership, Social media, Social media usage, Social networks, Sub-Saharan Africa, Usage indicator, Women

Publication Details

Pages:

26
Volume:

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DOI:

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Issue:

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Series:

Working Paper No. 2023/122
Stock No:

WPIEA2023122
ISBN:

9798400245039
ISSN:

1018-5941

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