Empowerment and ICT in University Female Students of Lambayeque, Peru: A Comparative Sociodemographic Analysis

Abstract

This study explores the influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on the empowerment of female university students. The analysis focuses on identifying variations in access to and usage of ICT among students from different socioeconomic strata, ages, and academic disciplines. The research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing structured surveys for data collection. The methodology is characterized by its explanatory nature. The sampling, non-probabilistic and for convenience, included 205 university students from various disciplines in Lambayeque, Peru. A questionnaire was used as a measurement instrument, whose reliability and validity were corroborated by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and Aiken's V coefficient, following review by an expert panel. The findings reveal that the students demonstrate a perception of autonomy in the use of technology, but there is a deficiency in skills and confidence for technological decision-making. Notable empowerment is observed in the use of ICT for leisure and work activities, though there is identified room for improvement in the areas of communication and education. Furthermore, significant differences in ICT-related empowerment are detected based on age, type of educational institution, and academic discipline. The development of specific programs for training in technological skills, the promotion of technological autonomy, and the implementation of evaluation and continuous improvement processes in empowerment strategies through ICT are proposed.