Reducing gender gaps in digitalization as a factor in Kazakhstan's development

This study is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of gender differences in access to information and communication technologies (hereinafter - ICT) in Kazakhstan from 2015 to 2024 and their impact on education and employment. The research methodology is based on descriptive statistical analysis, correlation methods, and the difference-by-difference (DiD) model. This approach allows us to compare the dynamics of gender inequality over time and determine how digitalization has affected the socio-economic differences between women and men. The results show a steady reduction in the gender digital gap. The difference in Internet access between men and women decreased from 2.8 percentage points in 2015 to 0.6 p.p. in 2024, and the use of mobile technologies saw an inverse shift in favor of women by 15.8 p.p. by 2024 (with a predominantly male dominance in 2016 by 1.6 p.p.). Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between Internet access and digital literacy (r > 0.9), as well as between digital skills and access to government employment platforms (r = 0.88 for men and r = 0.71 for women), which confirms the role of digitalization as a mechanism for increasing participation in the labor market. Women began to use smartphones and online platforms more actively, gaining wider access to electronic services and government resources, which facilitated their participation in the labor market and entry into formal employment systems. In addition, the study showed that gender inequality persists in higher education. As a result, the study highlights the dual nature of digitalization: on the one hand, it increases social inclusion, but on the other, it increases the persistence of structural inequality in society.

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