DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY EXPOSURE AND FEMALE YOUTHS’ LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Amidst the growing global attention on the role of technology in driving economic inclusion, it is important to understand the impact of digital technology exposure on young women in developing countries like Nigeria which is paramount for policy and development outcomes in transforming in human capital and the economy of the country. This study explores the effect of digital technology exposure on labour force participation among female youths in Nigeria, within the broader context of socioeconomic and regional inequality that exists in female employment and access to digital technology. The data for the study is from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), focusing on females between age 15 and 30. Three kind of analysis was conducted: univariate, bivariate (cross tabulation and chi-square), and multivariate (binary logistic regression analysis) to examine the effects of background factors (age, highest level of education, marital status, wealth, residence and Religion), contextual factors (region, and mass media exposure) and digital technology exposure (Use of internet, frequency of use, mobile phone ownership and use of mobile phone for financial transaction) on labour force participation. The key findings of this study revealed that digital technology exposure is a significant predictor of employment among female youths. However, disparities persist across regions, education levels, and socioeconomic groups in access to digital technology and labour force participation. Media exposure was also found to positively influence both digital access and labour participation. The study also revealed that access to and the use of digital tools such as mobile phones and mobile financial tools are strong predictors of female labour force participation. These results emphasise the need for targeted interventions to promote digital inclusion and economic opportunities for young women in Nigeria.