Women Inequality in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Botswana and South Africa’s Response

The global pandemic has fostered a historic digital transition in the global economy. However, the transition in a digitalised society comes with the risk of increasing inequality. Despite a range of policies implemented by African states and the recent adoption of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), the gendered inequality of digital exclusion has been amplified. The chapter investigates two SADC countries, South Africa and Botswana, and their preparedness for the technologies that enable the 4IR for women. Through the analysis of inclusive development, the study discusses the significant challenges restricting women’s digital access and the state’s efforts in implementing gender-sensitive information technology policies. The study adopts data from Afrobarometer and other search engines, including interviews with key policymakers from both countries. The chapter presents the findings, discussion, and analyses by discussing the empirical results in the two countries. The chapter limits the factors of digital inclusion into three segments: digital financial inclusion, digital educational initiatives, and e-governance services. In addition, the report outlines the effectiveness of the countries’ approaches shares lessons that struggling African economies can implement towards the 4IR and analyse how digitalisation can foster gender equality in the labour market. Finally, the chapter argues that enforcing digital equity is essential for gender equality.