EXPLORING GENDER DISPARITIES IN DIGITAL EQUITY AND ITS IMPACT ON TECHNO-LITERACY AMONG VOCATIONAL LEARNERS IN LARKANA, SINDH.

Abstract

The research aims to explore the problem of gender differences in digital equity and how they affect techno literacy among vocational students in Larkana, Sindh. It delves into the nature of how a fair entry to digital resources improves the technological proficiency of students and equips them to be active as skillful digital citizens in the twenty-first century. A mixed method research design was used based on sequential explanatory design. Quantitative data were gathered by survey of 96 vocational learners with the help of a structured survey and analyzed with the help of SPSS 23, and the qualitative data were gathered with the help of semi-structured interviews with 10 (5 male and 5 female) purposely selected participants and analyzed with the help of the thematic analysis. It shows that there is a positive association between digital equity and techno-literacy where the participants have reported that the availability of digital devices, good internet connection and use of appropriate educational software positively influenced learning activities, practical skills acquisition, and confidence in the use of technology. Male learners expressed relatively few obstacles to accessing digital materials, and female vocational learners mentioned limited access to personal devices, lack of access to internet, and reduced opportunities to practice using digital materials. The research highlights the need to make policy and institutional-level changes that narrow the gap between genders in digital use, divert resources and establish support systems that are inclusive of all to help lessen gender disparities in digital usage.