By Bhumika Hooda

Abstract

The article explores the transformative impact of ICT and the internet on gender empowerment, focusing on India and global contexts. In this context, the article will look at digital schemes and e-initiatives like PMGDISHA and telemedicine platforms to empower women in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Challenges such as the Digital Divide and lack of digital literacy hinder inclusive implementation. Bridging this gap and promoting digital literacy among women are crucial steps toward leveraging technology for gender equality. By addressing these challenges, governments can create inclusive environments where digital platforms empower women, promote gender equality, and contribute to building a more just and equitable society.

Relationships between technology and gender empowerment 

Today, ICT and the internet have emerged as a powerful tool for bridging the gender gap and advancing gender equality in India and worldwide. The Internet and digital technologies provide access to information and knowledge and act as a forum for economic, social, and political activity. Mobile phones mitigate isolation by promoting connectivity and individual empowerment in the economic and social worlds. Firstly, digital technology provides increased access and awareness about welfare services by the government, financial services and other such information. Those formerly excluded or marginalised can now actively engage through these means and forums, acquiring a voice which reaches all and develops new identities in our information-driven communities. These online channels of engagement and participation are helpful for women because the technology helps overcome barriers specific to females. Women’s domestic obligations and limited mobility impact their availability and travel options. However, ICTs and the internet help overcome these limits by promoting connectivity and increasing the free flow of knowledge. Moreover, the internet’s anonymity may help conceal users’ genders, removing gender bias. This allows women to express their thoughts without fear, access uncensored information, and use platforms for organisation and networking. 

Some e-initiatives benefiting and targeting women are the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) in India, a government program providing digital literacy training in rural areas, specifically focusing on empowering women. Similarly, though not explicitly targeted at women, telemedicine platforms like Practo or Lybrate connect women in remote locations with qualified doctors for consultations on various health issues. This online connectivity tackles women’s mobility issues. Social media also provides a forum for social media groups and online communities to connect women nationwide, fostering a sense of belonging, peer support, and knowledge sharing.

ICT Digital platforms and initiatives can improve women’s access to education, healthcare and economic support. This part will delve into the use of technology in each sector individually. 

Expanding Educational Opportunities

As indicated previously, using technology to ease gender-based issues has many benefits. In education, online learning allows women to study at their own pace, enabling them to manage household duties or employment obligations alongside their educational pursuits. Online learning opportunities such as technical skill courses are more cost-effective than traditional educational options, thus enhancing accessibility to higher education for women hailing from economically underprivileged backgrounds. 

This can be illustrated through the use of online learning platforms like SWAYAM. It is a government initiative which provides online courses from reputed educational institutes.  Women in remote areas or those with limited mobility can access quality education at their own pace. Another step in the direction is the digital mentorship program by The Akshaya Patra Foundation. This initiative connects rural girls with online mentors who provide academic guidance and career advice. This can be particularly helpful for girls lacking access to qualified female role models in their communities. Apps such as Diksha (by CBSE) and Saarthi (by NIOS) provide downloadable educational material for offline access. This allows women in locations with poor internet access to continue learning on their mobile devices.

2. Improving Healthcare Access and Delivery:

Technology can transform healthcare access and delivery in India, especially for women living in distant and rural locations or with limited mobility. The government utilises telemedicine platforms to connect women in remote areas with qualified healthcare professionals, particularly for prenatal care, reproductive health services, and mental health consultations. For example, The Ministry of Health and Family introduced the eSanjeevani scheme. This government initiative provides free telemedicine consultations with qualified doctors at primary and secondary care facilities. Women in remote locations can receive prenatal care, reproductive health consultations, and mental health services without having to travel large distances.

Similarly, The Nikshay Poshan Yojana uses social media platforms to teach women about healthy eating habits and proper nutrition during tuberculosis treatment. This enables people to control their health more successfully. Such online awareness campaigns help disseminate information on health issues such as menstrual hygiene management, nutrition, and early detection of diseases through mobile apps and social media platforms.

3. Empowering Women Economically:

Technology offers varied tools for empowering women economically in India. E-commerce platforms provide a national market for women entrepreneurs who have overcome geographical limitations and are flexible enough to work from home and choose their working hours. The use of online technology is also helpful for gaining financial independence. Skill development and online work opportunities empower women to earn an income and contribute to household finances.

One of the most considerable successes of using technology for economic progression has been e-commerce. Technology and the internet can encourage small-scale entrepreneurs or home industry products to enter the workforce, as investment is low and customers have easier access than in a regular marketplace. Platforms like ShopClues Mahila Shops or Meesho provide dedicated online marketplaces for women-led businesses to showcase and sell their products, reaching a broader customer base and bypassing traditional intermediaries. 

Women may also be encouraged to engage in digital work. A fitting example of the scheme is Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), which offers subsidised skill development courses in various sectors, including digital skills relevant to the modern workforce. Platforms like Women in Technology (WIT) provide online training programs, equipping women with skills like coding, web development, and data analysis, preparing them for high-growth digital jobs. Awareness can be generated about the Gig economy for women. Several platforms offer flexible work opportunities for women in areas like content creation, translation, or virtual assistance. This allows them to generate income while managing other commitments.

Challenges and Considerations:

The biggest challenge to using technology for gender empowerment and implementing such policies is the Digital Divide and lack of digital literacy. There is a need to bridge the gap in access to technology, and the Internet in rural areas and low-income communities is crucial for inclusive implementation. Additionally, women’s access to such technology is limited. The high cost of access to new technologies and the low level of female purchasing power deprive women of these tools. A considerable proportion of people in marginalised groups, particularly women, do not have access to or control over a smartphone. According to the 2021 consumer survey, women in India are 41% less likely than males to utilise mobile internet. In India, at least 71% of the population lacks access to connectivity to digital services. The second challenge is the need for digital literacy. India Inequality Report 2022: Digital Divide shows that only 38 per cent of households in the country are digitally literate.  

Conclusion

By addressing these challenges and harnessing the potential of technology, the government can create a more inclusive environment where digital platforms empower women, promote gender equality, and pave the way for a more just and equitable society.

Author’s Bio:

Bhumika Hooda is pursuing her five-year B.A.LL.B. law degree at Jindal Global Law.

Image Source: https://vidya-india.org/about-us/programs/mumbai/digital-empowerment-program-for-women/