Sumina Pradhan
Access to the internet is a transformative tool for all human beings worldwide, many movies, books and sci-ficinal have showcased that even aliens are intricate by the internet and modern technology. The Internet offers countless opportunities for education, economic participation, and personal growth. However, significant barriers still exist, particularly in rural areas mostly for women. Many women face obstacles such as limited access or no access to digital devices, lack of digital literacy and ensuring that women can fully benefit from the digital age. Women in rural areas do not own personal digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. Even when devices are available, they are often shared among multiple family members, limiting individual access and usage time.
According to the International Telecommunication Union( ITU), the global internet user gender gap was 17% in 2019. This gap is more pronounced in developing countries, particularly in regions like sub-saharan africa and south asia. In these areas, cultural norms, economic barries, educational disparities contribute to the digital divide. According to data shared by the World bank, women in Nepal are 36 percent less likely to use a mobile phone compared to men. These figures are stark: only three percent of women have used the internet to access bank accounts, and merely 15% have made or received digital payments, compared to 23 percent of men. Digital technology can pave the way to economic opportunities as more women transition to the labor market.
Organizations like Technology For All( TFA) are at the forefront of bridging the digital divide in rural Nepal. TFA aims to be the bridge to digital literacy, providing access to technology and the internet for women in remote areas. According to TFA hub data, 3,244 female users have been registered, highlighting the growing engagement of women with digital devices and the internet. The opportunity provided by Hello Hub, particularly in the rural regions of Melachi and Helambhu in Sindhupalchowk district, have been transformative, These hubs have given rural women the tools to entertain themselves, learn new skills, and crave out “ me time” in their otherwise busy lives.
In the remote village of Jhakrigau Hub, situated in the charming landscape of Nepla, lives Lali Maya Tamang, a mother of two. Her daily life was once consumed by household chores, leaving little room for personal growth or leisure time. However, Lali Maya’s life took a turn when she gained access to the Hello Hub, a learning Center, equipped with solar power, tablets and free internet. For lali Maya who had never used digital devices before, this new opportunity was nothing short of revolutionary. She quickly learned to navigate through YouTube, where she watched cooking videos to enhance her culinary skills and enjoyed Tamang songs and movies. The few hours of daily engagement provided ger a much needed break from her responsibilities, opening up a world of learning and entertainment.
The impact of digital access on women like Lali Maya is profound. Beyond entertainment, it provides a platform for learning and personal growth, For women entrepreneurs, social and emotional training and mobile saving have been shown to improve performance, underscoring the economic potential of digital inclusion. Supporting initiatives like Technology For All to continue bridging the digital divide in rural Nepal. By increasing digital access and introducing custom made production, we can ensure that women in remote areas are not left behind in the digital age. Its impacts are empowering women, fostering gender equality, and paving the way for economic opportunities. Together we can create a future where every women has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Empowering remote communities through education and technology is not just an option; it is a necessity. It is the key t
A window into the daily activities of three day training given to the Community Support Officers under the program funde
Selfie with the girls reflects hope and potential, embodying dreams waiting to unfold
