Factors influencing technology use by Mayan women in the digital age

Abstract

We explore gender differences in technology use among Mayan-speakers in a rural community in southern Yucatan (Mexico), finding that women had poorer skills and less access to technology than men. Following a diagnosis, information and communication technology (ICT) skills training aimed at closing the digital divide was provided to 68 men and women, with post-test results indicating that while women improved their ICT skills, they continued to score lower than men. Focus group interviews with 24 women identified the main factors perceived to influence their access to and use of technology. Observations and further interviews with 10 of the focus group participants further explored issues related to women’s access to and use of technology. Quantitative data were analyzed using inferential statistics and qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach. Recommendations for improving the ICT skills of both men and women are discussed in the context of the Mexican National Development Plan 2013–2018 and the Mexican National Digital Strategy 2013 and are compared with the guidelines of the Yucatan State Development Plan 2012–2018.

Keywords:

• Digital divide
• gender
• technology
• socioeconomic development
• ICTs
• training program

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.