Empirical Analysis of the Digital Gender Gap in Internet Access and Use Among Women in Rural Katsina State, North West Nigeria

The digital gender gap in rural northern Nigeria is one of the most pronounced globally, and its specific determinants and consequences for women's economic participation and information access in states like Katsina require rigorous empirical investigation. This study empirically analyses the dimensions and determinants of the digital gender gap in internet access and use among women in rural Katsina State. A cross-sectional survey was applied to 350 women aged 18 to 60 from twelve rural communities across three local government areas, selected through multistage cluster sampling. Questionnaire variables included internet access status, frequency of use, device type, barriers to access, digital skills self-assessment, household decision-making authority over technology purchases, and perceived benefits of internet use. Structural equation modelling in AMOS tested a model of digital inclusion determinants. Available literature on gender digital divide in North West Nigeria identifies spousal permission as the most contextually distinctive barrier to women's internet access, alongside lower mobile device ownership relative to male household members. The Gender Digital Divide Framework by Hafkin and the Capability Approach by Sen provide the theoretical basis. Findings confirm that spousal permission and mobile device ownership are the two strongest structural predictors of women's internet adoption, with digital skills self-efficacy fully mediating the education-internet use relationship. The study fills an important empirical gap on gendered digital exclusion determinants specific to rural North West Nigeria. Recommendations address community dialogue initiatives and women's mobile device access programmes. Keywords: digital gender gap, women, rural internet access, Katsina State, North West Nigeria.