EASTER MADONNA

This study examined the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the socio-economic empowerment of women in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria. ICT has been widely recognized as a tool for development; however, women in rural communities often experience limited access and use due to infrastructural, economic, and socio-cultural challenges. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 384 women was selected using Cochran’s sample size formula. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled ICT and Women’s Socio-Economic Empowerment Questionnaire (ICTWSE-Q). Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (simple linear regression) were employed for data analysis at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that women in the study area have moderate access to ICT tools, particularly mobile phones, and make regular use of ICT for communication and economic activities. ICT access, training, and use were found to significantly enhance women’s income generation, decision-making power, access to education and health information, and participation in entrepreneurial activities. However, major barriers such as poor electricity supply, high cost of data and devices, limited digital skills, and socio-cultural restrictions significantly hinder effective ICT adoption. All null hypotheses tested were rejected, indicating that ICT has a significant positive influence on women’s socio-economic empowerment. The study concludes that ICT is a powerful tool for empowering women in rural communities, but its full potential can only be realized through improved infrastructure, affordable ICT services, targeted digital literacy programs, and gender-sensitive policies aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable development.