Empowering Muslim youth through computer education, access, use: A gender analysis

In the present information society, technical education has acquired immense importance as the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) hold potential for bridging socio-economic divides and empowering the marginalized such as women and minority groups. This paper explores the access and use of computer/Internet and examines how these affect empowerment levels among young men and women. This paper considers the psychological, social, educational and economic benefits following from computer education and usage of computer and Internet technology. Data was collected from 155 young girls (N=82) and boys (N=73) from three computer training centers in Mumbai. Statistical tests such as t-tests, 2-way ANOVA and chi-squares were computed to compare male and female subjects on empowerment and ownership/access and use. The figures for ownership and home Internet connection were low for the entire sample. Computer training centre and cyber cafe are important points of access for females and males respectively. Further, it is found that young women report higher gains from computer learning and technology use, hence, computer education can be a key gender equalizer. In light of the above, policy measures to widen access and provide subsidized training are suggested.