Assessing Digital Literacy and Internet Access Among Rural Women in India – Challenges and Policy Imperatives

By : Kalpna Sharma, Ankit Raj

Page No: 36-67

Abstract
The rapid adoption of digital technology has transformed societies across economic, political, and cultural domains. Yet, this progress has also exposed a persistent challenge—the digital divide. In India, despite remarkable growth in mobile internet access between 2018 and 2020, women, particularly in rural areas, remain excluded from the digital revolution. Although Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been integrated into national policies, gender disparities in literacy and digital skills continue to hinder women’s participation. Guided by Article 39 of the Indian Constitution, which advocates equal rights to livelihood, this study examines the intersection of digital literacy and rural women’s empowerment. It explores how targeted digital training initiatives can bridge the divide, amplify women’s voices, and foster socio-economic inclusion. The paper emphasises that empowering rural women through digital literacy not only advances gender equality but also drives holistic community development, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable digital India.

Authors
Kalpna Sharma: Assistant Professor, Law Centre II, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, India.
Ankit Raj: CEO, Governance Consulting Group.