FACTORS AFFECTING ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICTS): A CASE STUDY ON RURAL WOMEN IN DISTRICT KOHAT, PAKISTAN

Abstract

In the digital era, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have emerged as transformative tools with the potential to bridge development gaps, especially in underdeveloped and rural contexts. This study focuses on rural women in District Kohat, Pakistan, to understand the dynamics that influence their access to and utilization of ICT. The paper applies both descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models on data collected from 198 women respondents in two villages—Ustarzai Bala and Ustarzai Payan. The findings reveal that variables such as age, education, and household income significantly determine ICT usage. Younger, educated, and economically stable women are more inclined to adopt digital tools. The study also explores the broader implications of ICT adoption for women’s empowerment, digital inclusion, and socioeconomic development. Detailed policy recommendations are proposed, emphasizing the need for gender-responsive ICT strategies, literacy initiatives, and infrastructural development. The paper concludes by highlighting the limitations and future directions for deeper, inclusive research.