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COMPENDIUM, IEEC-2023   ( ISBN : 978-81-967860-4-5 )
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Theme-4: Advances in Social Management in Agriculture and Allied Sciences

Gender Development in Digital Era

Madhu Priya and Beena Yadav

Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana
madhupriya158@gmail.com

Abstract

This review paper depicts the global issue of digital gendered divide, a disparity in access to information and communication technology between men and women. UN Women highlighted that there are major differences in using mobile and internet within and between countries, regions, sectors and socio-economic backgrounds. With the global increase in usage pattern of digital technology, women continue to be on the lower side of this divide. The review paper represents the gender gaps in ownership and access of mobile and internet across regions. Statistics shows that women in developing countries are 8 per cent less likely to own a mobile phone than men, with even higher gaps in specific areas like South Asia (23%) and sub-Saharan Africa (13%). Women tend to have limited access in using mobile and internet for their own purpose such as for communicating with family and friends, online and secure transactions as they are afraid of using digital technology. The factors behind the limited uses are lack of accessibility, affordability, digital-skills, literacy and concern of privacy in using technology. To overcome these kinds of issues, the government has been playing a vital role by implementing various schemes to increase digital literacy among women. To empowering women and their development through digital technology has become prior need for the nation in this digital era. The paper highlights various strategies to diminish the gendered digital divide such as embedding ICT in formal education, supporting engaging experiences, encouraging collaborative and peer learning, promoting role models and mentors, and leveraging community connections. Hence, the paper emphasizes the urgent need for bridging the digital gendered divide and various strategies to empower women through enhanced digital skills and access to technology which helps towards bridging the digital gendered divide. Gender Development, Digital skill, Digital divide, Mobile and Internet Use and ICT.

IEEC-2023 at RARI (SKNAU, Jobner), Jaipur, Rajasthan organised by Society of Extension Education, Agra, India