Gender and Digital Communication in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The growth of internet communication technologies in sub-Saharan Africa has been tremendous, leading to technocentric “celebrations.” Yet, despite pockets of success in capacity building, the proliferation of digital technologies in sub-Saharan Africa has yet to meet the aspirations of millions of women on the continent who want to live fulfilled lives; respected and dignified. This chapter critically dissects imbalances in the production, distribution, and consumption of digital technologies in sub-Saharan Africa that have exacerbated gendered inequities in many African societies. As critical scholars, we believe that the right to information has emancipatory benefits that mitigate inequalities. Digital technologies need not reinforce the prevailing gendered economic system of subjugation through commodification and capital accumulation for the expansion of wealth, power, and influence. We call for vigilant feminism to address imperialistic efforts promoting a communication logic that structurally reproduces digital inequality and we urge technological development of non-imperialistic technologies supportive of women and the communities in which they live.