Digital gender divide and empowering women in the digital age : A critical approach in Iranian society

Abstract: Gender plays an important role in access to the ICTs and Internet. Even when both genders have almost equal access to the ICTs and online services, or similar literacy rates, women have a lower rate in technology related education, employment, income, and in social activities than men.This thesis focuses on the existing digital gender gap by identifying its key factors and trends and studying the role of Internet and ICTs in bridging this gap. In addition, to suggest improvements to empower women in the developing countries and especially in Iran. A qualitative research method was adopted and semi-structured interview with 5 Internet users who were purposely chosen, was conducted. The data were analyzed and interpreted with the help of Lichtman's 3C method. This research study has examined the possible gender digital divide among users of ICTs and Internet in Iran and by making use of the existed secondary data. The empirical findings are discussed and compared to the reviewed literature, which resulted to an arising framework for a better understanding of digital gap among women.This research gives an overview about the digital divide, with a focus specifically on the challenges women face in accessing the ICTs and Internet in this region. Current gender disparities and discrimination in Internet use are outlined and the obstacles hindering women’s access to the technology world are described. At the later stage, the research has a look at the potential opportunities for women’s participation in a global digital society along with a consideration of the initiatives that have been developed in order to mitigate the gender inequity in Iran.