Alleviation: An International Journal of Nutrition, Gender & Social Development, ISSN 2348-9340 Volume 5, Number 5 (2018):
© Arya PG College, Panipat & Business Press India Publication, Delhi
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Empowering Women of Rural Unorganized Sector through Digital Transformation

Shuchi Srivastava
Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science
Northern India Engineering College, New Delhi, India
Email: myself_shuchi008@rediffmail.com

Abstract

Digital technology has brought huge revolution in the country, in recent years. We are in the Information Age and the contribution of information and communication technology has a vast potential of empowerment. It helps in reducing poverty, improving governance, overcoming isolation and providing a platform to raise voice. India has witnessed an unprecedented growth in the field of IT. However, the women workers in the rural unorganized sector are still facing a high level of exploitation due to low level of skills, illiteracy and ignorance. A large number of women workers are engaged in the unorganized sector where employment is seasonal and insecure. They also do not have adequate supportive services. The growth opportunities are few and collective organization very weak. In this era of Information Technology, there are a variety of ways by which a woman can gain knowledge which plays a very important role in empowerment. The development of the Information, Communications Technology (ICT) sector has transformed the way we live and the way that business is being conducted at all levels. It has benefited women in a number of ways. Moreover, immense amount of information is obtained through the internet. It can be used by them to update themselves with current affairs and latest developments in science, technology, art and literature. A lot of information about variety, range and quality of products, publicity and marketing of products and services can be gathered easily through the use of Information Technology. The application of ICT has created boulevard for women empowerment besides being just used as an information and communication tool. The aim of this paper is to explore how information technology can be used for empowerment of women in rural unorganized sector. Also the issues and concerns in using Information Technology in rural unorganized sector are analyzed and ways are suggested in which it can benefit women more efficiently. It is a descriptive study based on secondary data obtained from various sources.

Keywords: Digital Era, Rural Unorganized Sector, Social Media, Women Workers