THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AND ITS IMPACT ON WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT: A CASE STUDY OF RAJASTHAN


Tanushree Khichi
Research Scholar, Department of Business Finance and Economics, Faculty of Commerce, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Abstract
This research paper investigates the complex relationship between the digital divide and women's empowerment in the state of Rajasthan, India. Based on a survey of 545 women across diverse demographic and geographic backgrounds, the study employs both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to examine how access to digital technologies—primarily smartphones and the internet—influences economic opportunities, social participation, and psychological confidence. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between digital access and economic empowerment (Spearman's ρ = 0.708, p < .001), as well as social engagement (ρ = 0.503, p < .001). Furthermore, key socio-economic factors such as age, education, and income were identified as significant predictors of digital access through an ordinal logistic regression model (R²McF = 0.212). A pronounced urban-rural divide was evident, with 75.2% of respondents from urban areas reporting higher perceived benefits from digital tools. The study concludes that while digital technologies serve as powerful levers for empowerment, targeted interventions addressing infrastructural gaps, affordability, and digital literacy, particularly in rural and low-income communities, are urgently required to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth.
Keywords: Digital Divide, Women's Empowerment, Digital Literacy, Economic Opportunities, Social Participation, Socio-Economic Factors.
Journal Name :
EPRA International Journal of Research & Development (IJRD)

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Published on : 2025-09-02

Vol : 10
Issue : 8
Month : August
Year : 2025
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