Written by Suki Iyer on Digilah (Tech Thought Leadership).
In the heart of Bangalore, India, lives a woman whose life has been transformed by the power of technology. Ashvini from Yadgiri has been living in the Windmills labor colony for the past three years.
Her daughter has been going to Sampark’s ECCD center since she was 6 months old. Ashvini works as a domestic helper in Windmill Apartments. She did not have a bank account or an UPI account.
However, her life took a significant turn when she was provided with a simple tool that opened up a world of possibilities – a mobile phone. Once she got a mobile phone, she opened a bank account, and installed GPay and other applications.
This hugely increased her agency – she is able to easily send money every month to her family back in the village; she is able to keep track of her expenses and thus save up to Rs 1500 (USD$ 18) a month. She also able to leverage apps on the phone for several other benefits for her children and family.
With her newfound access to a smartphone, Ashvini’s life underwent a remarkable transformation. No longer confined by tech limitations, she was able to connect with other members of the community, markets, and learn new skills through online platforms.
Ashvini became a more informed and empowered individual, mother, employee and a huge source of family support.
Ashvini’s story is not unique.
Across India, millions of women like her are benefiting from the digital revolution, which has the potential to bridge longstanding socio-economic gaps. Empowering women with phones not only provides them with access to information and resources but also serves as a catalyst for economic and social empowerment. Here are some of the key benefits:
Access to Information and Resources:
Mobile phones enable women to access vital information on healthcare, education, and government schemes. From learning about maternal health practices to accessing educational resources for their children, these devices serve as a gateway to knowledge that was once out of reach.
Economic and Social Empowerment:
By connecting women to markets and financial services, mobile phones empower them to participate more actively in economic activities. Mobile phones facilitate social networking and community engagement, allowing women to connect with peers, mentors, and support groups. Through digital platforms, they can share experiences, seek advice, and collaborate on various initiatives, fostering a sense of solidarity and empowerment.
Access to Education and Skill Development:
Digital literacy is increasingly becoming essential in today’s world. By providing women with smartphones, they can access educational content, online courses, and skill development programs, enhancing their knowledge and employability prospects.
While empowering women with phones is undoubtedly beneficial, it’s essential to recognize that technology alone is not enough to address the complex challenges they face. To maximize the impact of digital empowerment initiatives, complementary non-technology support is crucial.
These include services such as like digital literacy training so that women can be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to harness the full potential of technology.
It is also necessary to provide tailored support services that recognizing the diverse needs and challenges faced by women and address their specific circumstances. This may include access to healthcare, childcare facilities, transportation services, and market linkages to ensure holistic empowerment.
In conclusion, empowering women in India with phones is a transformative intervention that has the potential to bridge the digital divide and unlock opportunities for socio-economic advancement.
However, to realize the full benefits of digital empowerment, it’s imperative to complement technology interventions with targeted non-technology support that addresses the unique needs and challenges of women. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
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This Women’ day month Sampark launches the #Mobile4akka campaign to empower her with a smartphone! This is where you come in! By donating, you can help us provide smartphones to migrant women, opening doors to education, entrepreneurship, and financial independence. Let’s bridge the gap and empower women through digital literacy.
Together, we can make amazing things happen! Join us this March in celebrating women and empowering through digital literacy! Donate now and be a part of this transformative journey.
https://bit.ly/3Iocgpw (Link to donate) (Indian Nationals)
http://goto.gg/63435 (Link to donate) (Foreign Nationals)
More about Sampark https://sampark.org/
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