ZenToks Publication

Chapter 1

Information and Communication Technologies - An Emerging Tool for Women Empowerment

Abstract/Preface

Women make up 48.41% of India’s population (World Bank, 2022). Technology can strengthen women power. Out of the five thrust areas earmarked for India’s Vision 2020, the information and communication technologies (ICT), like the other four, have also given us vital tools to achieve our development strategies. These tools and technologies coupled with the power of knowledge can enable women in developing countries to join the battle for economic, social and political empowerment. Already a “digital divide” implying uneven distribution of the technologies within the societies and across the world has set in, upsetting the balance of gender equality. Ready access and use of ICT is expected to bridge this “gap” or “divide” to a large extent, provided social and economic benefits are directly linked to these emerging technologies. Information and communication technologies have created new types of work that favor women because the technology enables work to be brought to homes and allow for better accommodation of work and family schedules.