Positioning African Women for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Era: Insights for Women Students

Abstract

This conceptual research paper seeks to understand how African women can be empowered for relevance in the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) era. It is fastened on a scoping review which served as data and the empowerment theory that served as the lens - theoretical framework. The insights of the paper for women students infer that STEM skills are critical for anyone to be relevant in the 4IR era and women students are underrepresented in that field, however, they should be hopeful if they are studying courses relevant to decision making science and humanities which 4IR era benefits from. Further to this, it reveals that learnings about the 4IR instil the consciousness of hope and fear in women about the opportunities the era bring. In conclusion, the paper emphasis that the views of 4IR critics of it promoting or widening inequalities and unemployment in the 4IR should not be taken for granted and for that reason empowering women with education especially the type of education that addresses the future is a necessity.