Knowledge Economy Studies

Smart Governance and the Promotion of Citizenship Rights for Mothers of Children with Disabilities: A Model for Digital Accessibility in Electronic Cities

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Ensiyeh Nourahmadi

Department of family law studies, Women Research Center, Alzahra University,Tehran, Iran Corresponding Author E-mail: e.nourahmadi@alzahra.ac.ir

https://doi.org/10.22034/kes.2026.2094444.1124
Abstract
Digital transformation and the development of smart cities have provided significant potential for enhancing the quality of life and improving the delivery of public services. However, in the absence of inclusive approaches, smart technologies may inadvertently lead to the reproduction of inequalities and the creation of new forms of digital exclusion. Mothers of children with disabilities constitute a particularly vulnerable group regarding these challenges, as they encounter multi-layered environmental, socio-economic, and technological barriers in accessing urban services and participating in social life. This study aimed at elucidating the role of smart governance in promoting the citizenship rights of this group. It has been conducted using a descriptive-analytical method through the thematic analysis of upstream documents, disability rights legislation, and interdisciplinary literature in the fields of smart cities, digital justice, and responsible artificial intelligence (AI). The research findings indicated that the realization of inclusive smart governance requires the establishment of four fundamental pillars: accessible digital infrastructure, data-driven decision-making, an appropriate legal-ethical framework for responsible AI, and the digital-economic empowerment of citizens. While identifying key obstacles such as algorithmic bias, the digital divide, privacy concerns, and institutional resistance, this study demonstrated the necessity of transitioning from “passive support” to “active empowerment”. Finally, a “smart and inclusive governance” policy model was presented, in which technology is redefined as a tool for social justice, individual autonomy, and active citizen participation. By bridging the discourse of the smart city with the social model of disability, this model provides a conceptual framework for urban policymakers, public institutions, and digital service designers to advance urban justice and sustainable development.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence
Citizenship Rights
Mothers of Children with Disabilities
Electronic City
Technological Justice
Data-Driven Governance
Subjects
 
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Knowledge Economy Studies
Volume 3, Issue 2
July 2026
Pages 133-158

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