Women in rural areas of Bangladesh continue to face various problems that may have been created by gender-based barriers or lack of digital tools. While their male counterparts may have access to those same tools or education, for example, our females do not. They are continuously left behind and prevented from acquiring relevant skills, which puts them in a vulnerable position.
Digital Literacy refers to the ability of individuals and communities to understand and use digital technologies for meaningful actions within life situations. It is also the ability to access the computer and internet for day-to-day activities or to maintain communication with everyone.
Since a 5G network is now being promised, it is our responsibility to make sure that rural women have a solid grasp of this technological advancement.
For women in rural areas, digital literacy can open up numerous doors. With access to technology, they can be made more aware of their rights and gain access to quality education. They can learn how to improve their health and well-being, increase their economic opportunities, and enhance their social connectivity.
Online payment
Financial literacy is inseparably linked to digital literacy. A twenty-something man may move to Chittagong city to start earning for his family to improve their overall livelihood. It will be difficult for him to commute back to his village every month and so he may choose to send some money through a remote way. Many Bangladeshis now use e-wallets to send and receive money. In order to be able to receive that payment safely and not be a victim of scams, digital literacy is required.
His mother or rural women in general need the proper training to be able to grasp the concept of online payments. They need to be taught how these apps work. Besides that, the technology even allows us to pay our bills for electricity, water and other necessary utilities through the same e-wallets. Ensuring that they are digitally literate, will not only make them independent but also save their time as they no longer need to go on foot to pay those bills.
How technology is shaping celebrationsImproving health
Women make up half the world's population. According to the BBS’s Bangladesh Sample Vital Statistics (SVRS) 2023 report, Bangladesh's current population stands at 171.59 million, of which 84.2 million are female. Therefore associating them in all development activities has become more important than ever before.
Digital literacy can pave the path for an improved education for women. This will raise their knowledge levels of health and nutrition. The education will also empower them to make choices to improve their children’s health and well-being. For example, a woman who is educated will know how to prevent certain diseases or make efforts to reduce malnutrition. The internet will also educate them about types of food to eat and to avoid, and overall hygiene.
At-home education
For a country like Bangladesh, educating women has become more imperative than before. Girls must be sent to schools as well. For older women, the door to e-learning must be opened which should not be very challenging as countrywide there is a reliable supply of electricity everyday. It may be a bit costly but overall accessibility and affordability of e-learning (electronic learning) will allow women to study from the comfort of their homes.
If rural girls are not able to attend school on a daily basis, different e-learning platforms are surely going to help them. In order to obtain this opportunity, however, women have to first become digitally literate. Setting up informal institutions may help to achieve that. As we continue to strive to break down barriers and progress towards gender equality, we must remember to give due priority to women and girls in the context of digital literacy.
