Effects of Innovative Technologies on Gender Disparity and the Future of Work

Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has prompted organizations to embrace digital transformation, demanding that employees possess ICT technical skills to boost productivity. In developing countries, a lack of ICT education exacerbates high youth unemployment, particularly among gender-disadvantaged individuals who struggle to secure jobs requiring digital literacy. This study investigates the factors contributing to the gender disparity of youth unemployment in South Africa. The study adopted the Technology Acceptance Theory to guide the study. The quantitative method was used for the data collection process using Google Forms to draft a questionnaire that was distributed to respondents online. The study results show the importance of ICT technical education to improve youth employment prospects and recommend that policymakers implement ICT skills development initiatives to mitigate youth unemployment.