This study examines the relationship between digital media literacy and leadership participation among young women in rural Nigeria, with specific focus on Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. Despite increasing access to digital technologies, young women in rural communities remain underrepresented in leadership and civic engagement, raising concerns about the role of digital competencies in shaping participation outcomes. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining a descriptive survey of 100 respondents with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) involving six participants. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The study is anchored on Feminist Media Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory. Findings reveal that although access to digital devices and internet connectivity is relatively high among respondents, their level of digital media literacy remains moderate. Most participants utilise digital platforms primarily for communication and entertainment rather than leadership or civic engagement. However, respondents with higher levels of digital media literacy demonstrate greater involvement in leadership-related activities such as community mobilisation, advocacy, and digital entrepreneurship. The study also identifies key barriers, including high cost of data, limited digital skills, poor network infrastructure, and socio-cultural constraints. The study concludes that digital media literacy plays a significant role in enhancing leadership participation among young women in rural areas. It recommends targeted digital literacy programmes, improved infrastructure, and gender-inclusive digital policies to strengthen women’s engagement in leadership and development processes.
Vol. 5, No 1, pp. 26-34.