Maternal Employment, Information And Communication Technology And Human Capital Development In Ghana

Abstract

This thesis examined the nexus between employment, household human capital development and information and communication technology (ICT). The motivation is to examine whether maternal employment could be encouraged without compromising human capital development. Using the Ghana Living Standards Survey round 7, the study investigated the role of ICT in the link between maternal employment and healthcare utilisation and the intention not to stay in current job and children grade progression. The effect of ICT skills on employment, and the intention not to stay in current job was examined. Probit, bivariate probit, Ordinary Least Squares, Instrumental Variable and Propensity Score Matching techniques were used to estimate the models. It was found that, mothers employment decreases healthcare utilisation and it is pronounced for rural households. Households with working mothers who use smartphones and/or have ICT skills are associated with higher utilisation. Mothers‘ intention to quit their current job negatively affect grade progression but ICT use and access is linked to positive grade progression for urban households. ICT skills positively influences employment for both males and female but higher for females. Literacy and financial inclusion are channels through which ICT skills affects employment. ICT skills also affects the intention to stay in a job particularly for females. The study recommends the Ministry of Communication and Digitalization to prioritize ICT education for females and promote the innovation of ICT products and services that will enhance female employment and reduce the adverse effect of mother‘s employment on household human capital development.