Ruchi Verma However, in earlier times, there was no such thing as digital literacy for women or equal computer literacy for men and women.
There was also a study that claimed that almost all computer users in the world were men.Something that would fight the digital divide and offer to make things right happened in 2001. At that point, an organization appeared on the spot: the National Institute of Information Technology, or NIIT, as most of us know it. In other words, by honouring a day known as World Computer Literacy Day.
Have you ever wondered why women need to receive training in digital literacy? Continue reading to find out how more women may enter the workforce through digital literacy.
Digital Literacy
The development of science and technology has increased the demand for technological skills. Literacy is insufficient. Literacy has now changed into digital literacy. Digital literacy is an essential skill for women and men alike. It is essential that women in particular and men in general receive digital education in our nation.
Digital literacy refers to the skill of effectively using information and communication technologies, such as social media, internet platforms, and mobile devices, to find, create, evaluate, and communicate information.
Basically, digital literacy is the ability of people and their surroundings to understand and apply digital technologies for beneficial purposes. This is the basic definition of digital literacy. Digitally literate people are those who are capable of using a computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, and other IT-related literature.
10 Reasons why digital literacy for Women is Essential
1. Equality in Opportunities:
The status of digital literacy among women can be understood by this fact that digital gender gap in India is huge. Only 30% of Indian women actively use mobile internet, compared to 51% of the country’s male population, according to the report, which highlights a significant gender disparity in digital usage. This research highlights a notable discrepancy, suggesting that Indian women use mobile internet less than their male counterparts. For both genders to have equal access to and opportunities in the digital sphere, this gap must be closed.
2. Employment Advancement:
Women who develop digital skills are more employable and have access to a wider range of employment options, which helps them advance professionally. The COVID- 19 epidemic has made working from home more common. Many businesses are now shifting their activities to the Internet. This change allows for flexible work arrangements, creating great opportunities for women to play a more active role in the economy.
3. Entrepreneurial Empowerment:
Women who have digital literacy are better able to create and run online enterprises, which promotes economic independence and entrepreneurship.
Digital literacy enables women to explore numerous free online learning platforms, and some Government organizations, like
Recently, Facebook launched the ‘We Think Digital’ program in partnership with the National Commission for Women (NCW) and Cyber Peace Foundation.
promoting continuous learning and the acquisition of new insights. It empowers women by facilitating the development of new skills, providing a means to combat social discrimination.
Like also read Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
4. Global Connectivity:
Digital skills enable women to connect with a global audience, promoting cross-cultural communication and expanding their networks.
5. Enhancement of Education:
Digital resource availability improves educational experiences by giving women access to a wider variety of learning resources and opportunities. The National Commission for Women (NCW) and the Cyber Peace Foundation have embarked on a mission to offer digital literacy training to 100,000 women in seven states: Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, and Bihar. This initiative underscores the significant digital gender gap in India, highlighting the pressing need to enhance digital literacy among women in various regions
6. Inclusion of Finances:
Digital literacy facilitates access to handle their finances on their own by having easier access to financial tools and online banking.
7. Health Awareness:
Women can obtain health information through digital platforms, which encourages awareness and well-being and helps them make well-informed health-related decisions. The goal was to enhance health awareness among women, focusing on infection prevention, hygiene, and sanitation, and to evaluate the outcomes of these efforts. Additionally, the initiative sought to pinpoint the potential risks of multimorbidity in women of reproductive age hailing from low socio-economic backgrounds.
8. Community Engagement:
Digital literacy empowers women to participate in online organizations, which promotes cooperation, support systems, and an impression of community.
9. Advocacy and Expression:
Women can use digital platforms to advocate for social issues, express their opinions, and contribute to meaningful societal conversations.
10.Digital Safety and Security:
Understanding digital literacy helps women navigate online spaces safely, protecting themselves from potential risks and shield themselves from possible dangers.
Women’s capacity to connect and mobilize through social media and the internet plays a crucial role in the success of campaigns against gender inequality. It is important for women to be aware of various online challenges, including cyberbullying, sexting, plagiarism, copyright issues, virus protection, and online exploitation.
For instance, the #DelhiGangRape campaign led to the inclusion of anti-rape provisions in India’s Criminal Code. In Turkey, the #Sendeanlat (‘tell your story’) movement sparked national conversations on violence against women. Globally, #MeToo brought the issue of workplace sexual harassment to the forefront, illustrating the impact of digital platforms in addressing and raising awareness about gender-related issues.
Methods of Raising Awareness Digital literacy for women
Teach Others and Yourself:
Learn about the origins and consequences of the digital divide, particularly as they relate to women. Talk to your loved ones, coworkers, and friends about what you know. Raise awareness on social media on the impact of the digital gap on women.
Promote Change:
Encourage laws and programs that close the digital gap, especially those that highlight the difficulties experienced by women. Speak with political leaders, take part in neighborhood gatherings, and join organizations that promote digital equality. To emphasize how crucial it is to bridge the digital divide, write to your local newspapers or post on social media.
Donate Electronics:
Donate outdated electronics to women in need, such as computers, tablets, or smartphones, to help close the digital divide. Donations of technology are accepted by organizations like Dress for Success and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which then gives them to women overcoming obstacles like homelessness or domestic abuse.
Offer assistance:
Give of your time and expertise to close the gender gap in technology. In order to empower women and girls in technology, groups like Girls Who Code and Women Who Tech exist. Offer your time to help with tech lessons, offer technical support, or participate in outreach initiatives.
Promote digital literacy :
Restore initiatives for digital literacy that are especially targeted at women. Numerous organizations provide customized training and classes. Think about making a donation to these initiatives or offering your time as a tea
Encourage Girls and Women:
Acknowledge that women and girls are disproportionately affected by the digital divide. Encourage programs that help people become digitally literate and have access to technology. The goal of groups like AnitaB.org is to empower girls and women who work in the technology sector.
Partner with Businesses:
Collaborate with local businesses to advocate for digital equality among women in your community. Encourage businesses to donate technology, provide funding for digital literacy programs, or create internships and job training opportunities in tech specifically for women.
Women’s digital literacy should be prioritized since it will not only empower them personally but also advance society by dismantling gender-based stereotypes and creating an inclusive and fair environment.
© Ruchie Verma.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned in the post are true to the author’s knowledge and for information purposes ONLY. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.
Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ruchie Verma (WigglingPen) with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
We are living in those times when digital literacy is the order of the day. Whether man or woman, digital literacy is the lever for growth and success. These days if you are not digitally literate, it is almost equivalent to being illiterate in the real sense of the word.
While the era of DIGITAL INDIA is in full swing, it’s always good be to digitally literate especially in women’s community. You have shared many govt schemes and initiatives to become “ATMA NIRBHAR” which is the motto of the world especially BHARAT. I will share this with my friends and family circle so that they can benefit from it. Thanks for drafting this in a blog.
This knowledge is very useful. It should be extended to all women. Digital literacy is also necessary if we want to have equal opportunities. I understand its importance.Thank you
Literacy of course is necessary for a women but nowadays literacy matters when they have digital literacy. The points you highlighted are indeed big reasons for a woman to have digital education.
Digital literacy for women is crucial in fostering empowerment and inclusivity, as it equips them with the skills to navigate the digital landscape, access information, and leverage online resources. Bridging the digital divide ensures that women can actively participate in the modern world, enhancing educational and economic opportunities while promoting a more equitable society.