Impact of Information and Communication Technologies on Women Vulnerabilty in Pakistan: A Micro Data Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the impact of ICTs on women vulnerability in Pakistan. The study evaluates accessibility and availability of ICT’s tools (Internet, Telephone, Computer, Mobile), contribution of ICT’s to minimize women vulnerability. In the majority of countries with available data, less than 40 percent of the women who experience violence seek help of any sort. Less than 10 percent of those women seeking help for experience of violence sought help by appealing to the laws. Aim of this study is to measure women vulnerability in Pakistan and to empirically investigate the impact of ICT on women vulnerability at household level. Household level data from PDHS (Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey) for 2017-2018 has been used for estimating the women vulnerability index and other variables using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique. It delivers a first appearance on the role of ICT to reduce women vulnerability by incorporating the outcomes of ICT i.e. Positive change in productivity, job creation, awareness and ensuring availability and possession of assets. Outcome of this research shows that increase in ICT access causes lower women vulnerability and suggested that ICT can enable them to participate efficiently in numerous field, including planning and decisions making at the family, institutional and societal level. ICT can empower rural women economically by eliminating poverty, decreasing trade distortions, increasing productivity, empowering weak segments and obtaining information regarding market prices etc. Study suggested that socio-economic development in Pakistan can be enhanced by a combination of technology and women empowerment.