Can You Hear Me? An Analysis of Gender and Mobile Phone Usage in Rural Owalla, Owerri North LGA Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This Study investigates gender differentials in mobile phone usage in Owalla, a rural community in Imo state, Nigeria. Data were collected from 200 randomly selected respondents from the study area. The result showed that there exists significant gender disparity in favour of men with regard to usage of mobile phone. Rural men make more calls than women. Women use their phone more to receive calls only. This study indicates that unequal power relation in most Africa societies still persist in the rural areas with regards to access and inclusion in information Society. In addition, poverty, illiteracy, lack of technical skills, cultural beliefs and high cost act as barriers to equal access and use of mobile phones in rural Africa.

Keywords: Gender, Mobile Phones, Digital Divide, Rural Area

International Journal of Development and Management Review (INJODEMAR) Vol. 7 June, 2012