A recent study has identified a significant relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and the limited internet use among women in Nigeria. Researchers from the University of Waterloo and Prairie View A&M University’s study emphasizes the negative effects of IPV on women’s access to the internet, emphasising a wider digital divide in the nation. The findings, published in the journal Telecommunications Policy, are especially concerning in a nation where female internet use remains strikingly low, with only 17.5% of women using the internet regularly.
The study, which utilised data from over 41,000 women aged between 15 and 49, revealed that IPV – whether physical, emotional, or sexual – significantly reduces the likelihood of women accessing the internet. The research team found that women who had experienced emotional violence were the most affected, with their odds of using the internet considerably lower than those who had not experienced such abuse.
The digital divide between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions was another crucial finding. Southern Nigeria showed significantly higher levels of female internet use, with urban areas particularly standing out. In contrast, the north – where instances of IPV and poverty are more prevalent – exhibited markedly lower internet access among women. For instance, in Lagos, one of Nigeria’s wealthier states, almost half of the female population were reported to use the internet, whereas in states like Jigawa and Kebbi, this figure dropped to less than 2%.
The study also examined other socio-economic factors contributing to the digital divide, such as education, wealth status, and marital status. Women with secondary education or higher were found to be far more likely to use the internet than their less educated counterparts. Wealthier women also demonstrated higher internet use, reflecting the often prohibitive cost of accessing the web in Nigeria, where the price of mobile data remains one of the highest in the world relative to income levels.
Moreover, the research suggested that cultural norms and gendered expectations play a significant role in limiting women’s access to technology. Married women, in particular, were less likely to use the internet, possibly due to their responsibilities as primary carers or societal restrictions imposed by their spouses.
The implications of this digital exclusion are vast. Access to the internet is increasingly recognised as a fundamental right, essential for personal development, access to information, and economic opportunities. Without it, women in Nigeria are left vulnerable, with limited access to vital services, including healthcare information and job opportunities.
In light of these findings, the study recommends targeted interventions to bridge the digital divide. Key suggestions include offering support systems for survivors of IPV and improving socio-economic conditions for women. Addressing these challenges will be critical in ensuring that women across Nigeria can fully participate in the digital age.
