AI digital skills and women empowerment: Impact of AI based education technology platform on career readiness and economic independence of female university students in Pakistan

Abstract

This study examined the impacts of AI-based educational technologies on female university students in Pakistan regarding their career readiness and economic independence. The study aimed to analyze case uses of AI, and how women’s attainment of these skills impacts their economic self-reliance. Employing a descriptive-correlational quantitative research method, data were collected from a stratified random sample of 358 female students (under graduate and post graduate), and 175 faculty members of the Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan. Data collections tools were two structured, validated surveys measuring AI-related activities and career readiness and economic self-reliance. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, simple linear regression and One-Way ANOVA. It was found that the engagement with AI EdTech was a strong predictor of career readiness of women (R2 = 0.341, p<0.001) and the acquisition of skills in AI was a strong predictor of economic self-reliance of women (R2 = 0.374, p < 0.001). Cross disciplinary analyses revealed that women from the STEM and Business Faculties engaged in more AI activities than women from Social Sciences (p <0.001). The researchers believe that AI/digital literacy erasure the barriers of unemployment stemming from lack of employment opportunities and socio-cultural inequalities. To achieve this goal suitable digital infrastructure has to be prioritized.

KEYWORDS: Artificial intelligence, digital skills, women empowerment, career readiness, economic independence, educational technology, female higher education.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22009223