{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Dissecting the digital divide: A household fixed effects approach to estimating gender gaps in digital skills of youth in low- and middle-income economies.
{Author}: Avanesian G;Zaw HT;Kelly P;Mizunoya S;
{Journal}: Heliyon
{Volume}: 10
{Issue}: 12
{Year}: 2024 Jun 30
{Factor}: 3.776
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33127
{Abstract}: This study investigates gender gaps in digital skills among youth (15-24 years old) in 32 low- and middle-income economies using data from UNICEF-supported and internationally comparable Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). Utilizing a household fixed effects approach, we aim to isolate gender-based disparities from household-level variations. The intra-household analysis reveals significant inequalities, with biases against young women in possessing digital skills, including the very basic ones. Supplementary analysis using a mixed-effects model, which accounts separately for within- and between-household variation, highlights that wealthier households exhibit larger gender gaps in digital skills, disadvantaging young women primarily due to a floor effect in the poorest households. The paper concludes with policy implications aimed at reducing gender gaps in digital skills.