Abstract
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has emerged as a transformative force for empowering rural women by improving their access to education, livelihood, health services, and community participation. Grounded in the perspectives of digital inclusion, Gender and Development (GAD), and Sen’s capability approach, this study examines the role of ICT in enhancing socio-economic independence, mobility, and decision-making power among rural women in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Using a mixed methodology involving field visits, interviews, and a survey of 200 women, the study analyzes how ICT—through mobile phones, social media, digital banking, e-governance portals, and Community Media Centres (CMCs)—shapes everyday life and empowerment outcomes. The findings reveal that ICT access significantly enhanced awareness of government schemes, digital literacy, and participation in self-help groups. Women who engaged regularly with ICT reported improved confidence, better health-seeking behavior, and greater economic opportunities, especially in home-based enterprises and market access. However, restrictive factors such as financial barriers, caste and class disparities, and limited infrastructure continue to hinder equitable inclusion. Policy initiatives like Digital India, Mahila E-Haat, and NRLM were found to be relevant but underutilized due to gaps in grassroots implementation. In conclusion, the study affirms that ICT can be a catalyst for inclusive rural development when coupled with enabling structures such as CMC training, SHG models, and gender-sensitive outreach. By expanding women’s capabilities and freedoms, ICT not only bridges the digital divide but also contributes to sustainable socioeconomic transformation in rural India.
Keywords: Community Media Centres, ICT, Self-Help Groups, Socio-economic development, Women Empowerment.