Reducing the Gender Digital Divide: Voices of Migrant Women in Bangalore on the Knowledge and Use of Technology in their DailyLives
Reducing the Gender Digital Divide: Voices of Migrant Women in Bangalore on the Knowledge and Use of Technology in their Daily Lives
More than 2 billion migrants don’t have access to the benefits of being online. According to a survey conducted by Action Aid on digital literacy of migrant workers, 91.72 % of males have access to a mobile phone compared to 73.13 % of females. With respect to internet usage, 61.94 % of males use the internet compared to 35.99 % of females.
What does Digital Literacy Mean to Migrant Women?
As women’s access to digital resources, the internet, and availing social welfare using online mediums remains restricted, it remains pertinent to take a step back and understand what entails this gender digital divide. Sampark conducted Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) with migrant women from migrant labour colonies in Bangalore to understand what migrant women understand about digital literacy, their access to digital devices and the internet, and how despite having the motivation to make the best use of their phones, there are looming factors that inhibit their absorption into the digital realm.
Fear as an Obstacle to Migrant Women’s Digital Literacy
“We have smartphones, but we don’t know how to use them fully. We are scared we might make a mistake, and something can go wrong.”
“We have smartphones, but we don’t know how to use them fully. We use it for limited purposes based on the knowledge we have gathered on our own and with the help of people around us in the community. We are scared that we might make a mistake, and something will go wrong. We would like to get over this fear, and make the best use of our phones for learning and entertainment”, said migrant women in unison pointing out the obstacles to unlocking the digital world to access digital opportunities, goods, services, and resources.
From Fighting Gender Stereotypes to Gaining Awareness on Digital Literacy
“I don’t know how to type. I use voice notes on WhatsApp to communicate with my employer. I have also learnt how to use Google Pay transactions to check if I have received my salary.”
Speaking about the usage of social media and digital transactions, Srinidhi (name changed) said, “I don’t know how to type. People who have smartphones sometimes only use them for calls, and sending voice notes to communicate. I play YouTube videos for my children. I use Google Pay for digital transactions. I sometimes receive my salary on Google Pay, and I know how to check if I have received the payment. But, I don’t know how to send money.”
Globally, women have a lower likelihood of using phones and technology as compared to their male counterparts owing to disproportionate conditions of education, employment, and income. Research also highlights how the digital divide creates a gender digital divide for unequal digital access for women due to discrimination, negative stereotypes, and the cultural misconception that technology is more suitable for males. But, if we look at the aspirations of women, we might get a different narrative that can help us better understand how women approach their relationship with technology in the new era of digital innovations.
How Digital Literacy Connect Migrant Women to Opportunities and People
“If I don’t have a mobile, I feel like I might miss out on something important. There are both good and bad things about using phones. But, I don’t think they are a waste of time. They are very useful to keep us connected to the world around us.”
Lakshmi (name changed) confidently narrates, “I have been using a phone for the last 4-5 years. Earlier, there was nothing. Now, if I go home, I get messages and calls. If I don’t have a mobile, I feel like I might miss out on something important. There are both good and bad things about using phones. But, I don’t think they are a waste. Now, if we need a job, someone we know will give us a number. We can quickly call, and get the job information in our WhatsApp groups. Thanks to our mobile phones that help us get all the information immediately.”
Knowledge of Cyber Awareness among Migrant Women
A very welcoming change that was noted among the migrant women respondents was their eagerness to learn and their quick grasp on the importance of maintaining safety and privacy while navigating the digital world. Speaking of cyber awareness, migrant women highlighted, “We didn’t know that One-Time Passwords (OTPs) are private, and should not be shared with anyone. We understood about OTPs and how to read them after we registered to get labour cards issued. Now, we know we are not supposed to share OTPs with anyone.”
From Awareness to Aspiration
“I am a tailor. Now, I need to share those designs. I need to make a group on WhatsApp. Do you know how to do that?”
Giving a phone to a woman does not only create opportunities but it generates curiosity too. One such enthusiast is Sunitha (name changed) who asked with hope and eagerness in her eyes,” I am a tailor. I watch YouTube videos, and learn different designs to stitch dresses for myself and my family. Now, I need to share those designs. I need to make a group on WhatsApp. Do you know how to do that?