INSIGHTS - DEVELOPMENT BRIEF
February 21, 2025
In preparation for CSW25, Ameena Zia, Ph.D., is leading efforts on "Bridging the Divide: Rural Women and Technology" as part of Blue Ridge Impact’s Working Group on Women, Peace, and Education. This initiative aims to enhance access to knowledge sharing and empower scholars, practitioners, and advocates of development.
In a world where technology has become an essential tool for empowerment, rural women continue to face a stark divide in terms of access to opportunities, resources, and education. While elite women in urban areas are increasingly benefiting from technological advancements, rural women—who make up a significant portion of the global population—are often left behind. This disparity exacerbates gender inequality, leaving rural women without the tools to elevate their social, economic, and political status. But there is hope: technology can be the bridge that unites these two worlds, providing rural women with the opportunities they need to succeed, thrive, and contribute to their communities.
A Digital Divide: Rural Women Left Behind
In rural areas, women face challenges that their urban counterparts often don’t experience. These include limited access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Many rural women are also burdened with traditional gender roles that restrict their ability to fully participate in political or economic life. These barriers are not only deeply entrenched in cultural practices but are often reinforced by lack of infrastructure, such as reliable internet access, and limited exposure to technology (UN Women, 2020).
However, in an increasingly digital world, technology has the potential to break down these walls. By using technology effectively, rural women can gain access to education, healthcare, markets, and the platforms necessary for political participation. For rural women to catch up, we need a multi-pronged approach that leverages technology as a tool for empowerment.
Bridging the Gap: The Role of Technology
Education and Skills Development: One of the most powerful ways technology can empower rural women is through online learning platforms. In areas where access to education is limited, digital courses in financial literacy, business skills, agriculture, and health can provide women with the knowledge they need to change their lives. By using mobile phones or computers, rural women can access these courses at their own pace, without having to travel long distances. The flexibility of online education allows them to balance family responsibilities while learning new skills that will benefit them economically and personally (World Bank, 2016).
Networking and Mentorship: One of the key ways to uplift rural women is by connecting them with mentors and peers who can provide advice, encouragement, and opportunities. Technology enables virtual communities where rural women can interact with successful entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other women from different parts of the world. Platforms such as social media, online forums, and mentorship apps offer spaces for women to network, share their experiences, and collaborate on solutions to common challenges (UN Women, 2020). These connections foster solidarity, support, and empowerment.
Market Access and Economic Opportunities: Rural women often face barriers to accessing local and global markets due to logistical and infrastructural challenges. However, digital platforms such as e-commerce websites and mobile payment systems can help them overcome these obstacles. With the ability to sell handmade goods, crafts, agricultural produce, and more, rural women can increase their income, reduce financial dependency, and gain a sense of autonomy. Furthermore, digital payment systems allow them to securely manage their finances, receive payments, and access microcredit, promoting financial independence and economic growth (FAO, 2017).
Healthcare Access and Knowledge: Healthcare remains a significant challenge for rural women. Limited access to medical facilities and specialists means that many women’s health needs go unmet. Telemedicine, where patients can consult with doctors remotely, can provide life-changing benefits. Rural women can receive advice on maternal health, family planning, and general wellness from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to travel long distances for care (World Health Organization, 2020). Mobile health apps can also educate women about disease prevention, nutrition, and general health practices, leading to healthier communities overall.
Civic Engagement and Political Representation: Technology also plays a vital role in engaging rural women in political and civic processes. Digital platforms allow women to access information about their rights, local governance, and electoral processes, empowering them to participate in decision-making and advocacy. Social media campaigns, online petitions, and digital activism create space for rural women to voice their concerns and demand change (Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, 2018). When connected digitally, rural women can join the global conversation about gender equality, building networks that influence local and international policy.
Building a More Equitable Future
For technology to be an effective tool for empowering rural women, it must be accessible. Governments, organizations, and businesses need to invest in making technology affordable and available to rural communities. Internet infrastructure must be improved in underserved areas, and affordable digital devices should be provided to ensure no woman is left behind.
Moreover, digital literacy programs must be implemented to ensure rural women are not intimidated by technology. By providing training and resources to help them become comfortable with digital tools, we empower them to take full advantage of the opportunities technology offers.
Ultimately, technology can be the great equalizer. When rural women are given access to the same educational resources, markets, and platforms as their urban counterparts, they gain the opportunity to reshape their futures. By fostering a world where women in every corner of society—regardless of geographic location—have the tools they need to thrive, we can build a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
References:
UN Women. (2020). Bridging the gender digital divide: The case of women in rural areas. UN Women.
World Bank. (2016). World Development Report 2016: Digital Dividends. The World Bank.
FAO. (2017). The Role of Technology in Empowering Rural Women and Improving Their Livelihoods. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
World Health Organization. (2020). Telemedicine in rural healthcare: Benefits and challenges. World Health Organization.
Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data. (2018). Empowering women through technology: The importance of access to data and digital platforms. Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data.
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