Digital Literacy and the Gender Wage Gap in Kazakhstan: Evidence from 2021–2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47703/ejgs.v3i3.139Keywords:
Gender, Equality, Inclusion, Wage, Empowerment, Employment, Digital DivideAbstract
The article examines the potential of digital skills to reduce the gender income gap in Kazakhstan. The study aims to analyze the relationship between changes in digital literacy and the gender wage gap in Kazakhstan during 2021–2025 by comparing trends in monthly and hourly wages with indicators of digital inclusion among the population. The methodology includes comparative analysis, calculations of monthly and hourly wage gaps, regional comparisons, and correlation analysis. The results show that digital literacy among individuals aged 6–74 increased from 87.30% to 91.13%, while the monthly gender wage gap widened from 21.72% to 28.18%. In 2025, internet usage among men and women aged 16–74 was identical at 95.62%, yet women's wages represented only 71.82% of men's earnings. The hourly wage gap reached 22.41%. These findings indicate that equal digital access does not guarantee income equality. The study distinguishes basic digital literacy, professional digital competencies, and opportunities to apply these skills in paid employment. A conceptual model linking digital access, skill development, employment opportunities, and income growth is proposed. Regional differences further underscore the need to consider local labor market conditions, occupational structures, and access to suitable jobs when designing targeted interventions. The findings highlight the importance of practice-oriented training, employment support, and income-based evaluation of digital inclusion programs. However, aggregate data do not establish causal relationships between digital skills and gender wage inequality.
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