Empowering African women with the skills required in the workplace in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)

Abstract

Africa has been characterised by gender and social inequalities that have affected different
dimensions of women’s lives. Even in the modern era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR),
most women do not have the right skills to secure and keep profitable employment. Grounded in
human capital, postmodern feminism, and empowerment theories, this study unpacks how to empower African women with skills relevant in the 4IR. An integrative review approach is used. Out of 917 articles screened, 24 peer-reviewed articles (2018–2023) on 4IR, women, and Africa were retained and analysed using a manual content analysis method. Results reveal the need for a robust regulatory framework backed by government funding and support to address past inequalities and tackle the underdevelopment of 4IR and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills in women.