Online Education as a Key to Bridge Gender Digital Divide in Pakistan

Abstract

Educational systems are progressively attempting to provide equitable, comprehensive, and high-quality digital skills education and training. Females lag substantially behind males in digital abilities, paving the need for more learning and skill development, especially in developing countries. Creating equal opportunity in higher education for all individuals including both genders is a social responsibility. Gender equality is a cornerstone of a healthy, modern economy, and women may make a significant contribution to society and the economy as a whole. The current study was taken to analyze the gender digital divide among youth in Pakistan. The relevant policy documents such as Digital Pakistan Policy and reports were analyzed. The main causes identified included barriers to access, affordability, lack of technology literacy, and sociocultural norms. Moreover, the role of online education as an effort to bridge the gender digital divide was analyzed through interviews with key stakeholders in higher education in Pakistan. Women's use of ICT and digital platforms, mobile phones, and digital payments are among the recommendations, as are skills development for the digital era and enabling for better knowledge and meaningful use of digital technology. Individuals, communities, and the commercial sector will all need to work together to bridge the digital gender gap in Pakistan.