From Challenges to Change: Pooja Bai’s Digital Literacy Triumph
In today’s rapidly evolving world, digitalization lies at the core of every aspect of life. Any domain that fails to embrace the digital revolution risks becoming obsolete. However, amidst this transformative wave, it is crucial to address the issue of the gender digital divide. According to recent data from the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2023, only 33% of women in India use mobile internet, compared to 67% of men. This disparity highlights the challenges women face in accessing and utilizing digital tools, which limits their opportunities for growth and empowerment. Udyogini recognizes this gap as a hindrance to a gender-equitable world. To combat this, we have initiated various interventions to equip women with essential digital skills through our programs. An inspiring story of Pooja Didi from Rajasthan serves as a testament to this effort.
Pooja Kumari Berwa, a housewife from Bahadurpura village under Cheta Panchayat in Bundi district, has impressed an inspiring path toward self-reliance and empowerment. Despite her traditional rural background, after marriage, Pooja didi completed her education. She lives with her husband, child, and in-laws, and her journey toward personal and professional growth took a pivotal turn when she joined the Self-Help Group (SHG) named Jai Bhole SHG.
Through Udyogini’s ongoing program in Bundi district, Pooja didi received comprehensive training on Financial and Digital Literacy, which equipped her with the skills to effectively use digital tools like WhatsApp, YouTube, PhonePe, Google Pay, and many more. Before this training, like other women in her community, Pooja was unfamiliar with smartphones and online applications. However, with determination and guidance, she now easily uses mobile phones for various tasks in her daily life. Today, she flawlessly conducts online money transactions using platforms like PhonePe and Google Pay, eliminating the need for time-consuming visits to banks. Moreover, she has started shopping on Flipkart and Amazon, which has significantly broadened her access to household necessities and products unavailable in her local area.
Pooja didi has also turned to YouTube as a valuable resource for self-education, learning new skills like stitching clothes, pickle-making, and exploring innovative ideas to enhance her family’s livelihood. From homemaking tips to tutorials on modern farming techniques and sustainable practices, her curiosity and drive have been a source of inspiration for her peers. She has proudly expressed how using these digital platforms has simplified her life, allowing her to save time and manage resources efficiently.
Pooja didi has not only improved her quality of life by incorporating digital tools into her daily routine but has also benefited from better time management and developed new skills through the efficient use of mobile devices and online platforms. This has set an inspiring example for other women in her community. Her journey highlights the transformative impact of technology and the importance of accessible education and training programs. Today, Pooja didi stands as a symbol of empowerment in Bahadurpura, proving that with the right support and determination, even the most traditional boundaries can be crossed to embrace modernity and self-sufficiency.
Empowering women with digital tools is not just about teaching them skills; it’s about creating an enabling environment that helps them unlock their own potential to reshape not just their personal life but the lives of their families, communities and nation.
