Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
-
- Briefly introduce the patriarchal limitations that have traditionally confined women in India.
- Mention how technology has become a tool for empowerment, allowing women to break free from these constraints.
2. Body
-
- Organize the body into clear sections based on the ways technology empowers women.
- Improving Access to Education
- Explain how technology has helped women overcome educational barriers.
- Provide examples of initiatives like PMGDISHA that offer digital literacy and education to women.
- Fact: Over 54% of beneficiaries under PMGDISHA are women, providing them with access to quality education and digital skills.
- Boosting Women’s Entrepreneurship
- Discuss how e-commerce and digital platforms have helped women start and grow businesses from home.
- Highlight programs like W2E2 (Wireless Women for Entrepreneurship and Empowerment) that focus on empowering rural women.
- Fact: W2E2 program supports rural women in starting ICT-based social enterprises, promoting entrepreneurship and financial independence.
- Ensuring Women’s Safety
- Talk about how technology has improved women’s safety and mobility through apps and helplines.
- Mention the 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) for quick assistance to women in distress.
- Fact: ERSS provides a single number (112) for immediate assistance to women in emergencies.
- Growth of Women’s Employment
- Explain how remote work and digital platforms offer diverse job opportunities to women, especially in rural areas.
- Reference platforms like Apna.co, which have seen significant increases in female users seeking remote jobs.
- Fact: Apna.co reported a 132% increase in female users, many seeking remote employment options.
- Better Advocacy and Awareness
- Discuss how technology and social media have helped amplify women’s voices, providing platforms for advocacy.
- Refer to movements like MeToo, which gained momentum through social media, allowing women to share experiences and demand change.
- Fact: The MeToo movement used social media to share stories of sexual harassment, sparking widespread discussions about women’s rights.
- Improving Access to Education
- Organize the body into clear sections based on the ways technology empowers women.
3. Conclusion
-
- Summarize the various ways technology has helped empower women in India.
- Conclude by mentioning that the rise of technology has opened doors for women to lead more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous lives beyond traditional roles.
Relevant Facts with Sources:
- Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA): Over 54% of beneficiaries are women, providing digital literacy to rural women.
- W2E2 Program: Empowers rural women to create ICT-based social enterprises, boosting economic independence.
- 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS): A unified emergency response system offering immediate assistance to women in distress.
- Apna.co: Reported a 132% increase in female users, many seeking remote employment opportunities.
- MeToo Movement: Amplified women’s voices through social media, enabling them to share experiences and advocate for change.
Model Answer
Recent advancements in technology have significantly empowered women in India, helping them break free from patriarchal limitations and engage in activities beyond traditional roles. The following key areas illustrate this transformative impact:
1. Improving Access to Education
Historically, patriarchal norms have limited women’s access to education. With the advent of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), educational barriers have been reduced. Women can now access quality education from the safety of their homes, overcoming physical attendance constraints. For instance, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) has enabled over 54% of its beneficiaries to be women, providing them with digital literacy and better educational opportunities.
2. Boosting Women’s Entrepreneurship
Technology has broken the traditional norms that restrict women from entering business ventures due to social constraints and limited mobility. E-commerce and digital platforms have created opportunities for women to start businesses from home. Programs like W2E2 (Wireless Women for Entrepreneurship and Empowerment) empower rural women to create ICT-based social enterprises, boosting their economic independence.
3. Ensuring Women’s Safety
Safety concerns have historically hindered women’s mobility and public participation. However, technological solutions like safety apps and helplines are improving women’s safety. The 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) is one such initiative that provides immediate assistance to women in distress through a single emergency number.
4. Growth of Women’s Employment
Technology has also expanded employment opportunities for women. The rise of remote work and digital platforms has allowed women to access jobs like telemarketing, sales, and teaching from home. Platforms such as Apna.co have seen a 132% increase in female users, many of whom are seeking remote employment.
5. Better Advocacy
Technology has provided women with a voice in social issues. Digital platforms, particularly social media, have amplified women’s advocacy efforts. The MeToo Movement, which gained significant momentum online, allowed women to share experiences and demand change, fostering societal awareness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, technology has enabled women in India to break patriarchal constraints, create new avenues for education, entrepreneurship, employment, and advocacy, leading to a more inclusive and prosperous society.