World Bank study links digital use to higher employment and earnings for women
Updated
Updated · Texas A&M Today · May 5
World Bank study links digital use to higher employment and earnings for women
7 articles · Updated · Texas A&M Today · May 5
Using data from about 4,500 working-age adults in the Middle East and North Africa, the analysis found the employment link was 26-27% stronger for women than men.
Women using digital tools were more likely to work and earn more, with especially strong earnings associations in administration, education and health services.
But access and policy gaps remain: 80% had never worked remotely, and barriers including affordability, childcare, workplace rigidity and social norms could limit whether digital transition narrows gender gaps.
If digital tools offer flexibility, why is unpaid care work still the biggest barrier for women?
As AI threatens female-dominated jobs, can it also dismantle the biases trapping women in those roles?
Digital Skills Boost Women’s Employment by up to 27% and Raise Earnings by 33% Globally (2021-2024)
Overview
Recent data from 2021 to 2024 shows that increasing digital skills and use significantly boosts employment chances and earnings, especially for women, who benefit more strongly than men. Digital skills enable flexible work arrangements like remote jobs, which help women balance caregiving and work responsibilities. However, barriers such as limited internet access, device ownership gaps, and restrictive social norms still limit women's full participation. High-value skills, particularly in AI, offer large wage premiums, and targeted training programs are helping women gain these skills. Policies supporting telework, affordable childcare, and inclusive employer practices are essential to sustain women's digital workforce participation and unlock broad economic growth.