TECHNOLOGY EXCLUSION: IMPACT ON FEMALE COUNSELLORS’ PARTICIPATION IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Technology exclusion is the inability to effectively use technology, often affecting women, especially those in rural or disadvantaged areas, and can exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of technology exclusion and how it predicts female counsellors’ level of participation. To achieve this, three (3) objectives, three (3) research questions and two (2) hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. One hundred and fifty-two (152) female counsellors selected from both urban and rural Secondary Schools were used. The selection was done through the stratified and simple random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was titled “Technology Exclusion and Female counsellors Participation Questionnaire (TE-FCPQ)”. The reliability was established through the Cronbach Alpha method. The reliability coefficient Cronbach's ranged from 0.86 - 0.89. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, and multiple regression via SPSS v23, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed using NVivo and Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-phase model. Each hypothesis was tested at .05 level of significance. The result of the analysis revealed among others that, the level female counsellors' exclusion from technology is significantly higher than the baseline mean and technology exclusion of female counsellors significantly contributes to their participation. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others, that government should build a supportive environment for female counsellors through professional development program, mentorship and guidance services to increase their participation in technology usage.