M-government and Saudi women’s empowerment: a capability approach perspective

Alotaibi, Norah Humus, Dasuki, Salihu ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9677-5414 and Zamani, Efpraxia D (2025) M-government and Saudi women’s empowerment: a capability approach perspective. Information Technology for Development. pp. 1-24. ISSN 0268-1102

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Abstract

This study examines how m-government contributes toward women's empowerment and the legal requirement for male guardians' permission has been lifted. Interview data from 30 women analysed using Sen's Capability Approach suggest that independent use of m-government empowers women by allowing them to obtain a driving licence, and passport for themselves and their children. This enables them to work, study, travel and make decisions about their children's health and education. Nevertheless, personal, social, and environmental factors that hinder the use of m-government services for empowerment remain; notably, traditional religious and cultural values, resistance by male guardians, as well as technical issues, internet connectivity and lack of digital literacy skills. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that addresses how Saudi women make use of the opportunities created for them by the m-government and the barriers that impede their access to these opportunities and makes significant theoretical and practical contributions.