In a concerted effort to address the stark digital gender divide in Rajasthan, the Girls Education Program (GEP), under the aegis of Room to Read, is executing the ‘Har Kadam Beti ke Sang, Digital Raah Bane Sugam’ campaign in the Phalodi district from October 11th to 20th, 2023.
Rajasthan, grappling with limited internet access and digital literacy in rural areas, finds a beacon of hope in the ‘Digital Shakti’ campaign, an initiative led by the Rajasthan Government. The campaign is actively promoting digital literacy and safety, with a particular focus on empowering women and girls in the state (The Indian Express, 2023).
According to The Times of India (2022), a recent survey underscores the urgency of digital empowerment in Rajasthan, emphasizing the critical role played by the state government’s ‘Digital Shakti’ campaign. NFHS-5 data for 2020-21 further reveals a significant gender gap in internet literacy, positioning Rajasthan at 7th in the country.
Room to Read’s Girls Education Program, aligning with the pressing need for digital inclusion, has launched a comprehensive campaign for 2023, themed “Empowerment through Cyber safety: Agency Assertion in the Digital Space.” The campaign aims to bridge the gender gap in digital literacy, with a particular focus on rural areas.
Commencing on October 11th, the campaign has witnessed various activities promoting digital empowerment, access, and cyber safety. Bol Behna committees, formed in schools, have facilitated digital dialogues among girls, fostering awareness about responsible digital conduct and ethical use of digital space. The campaign also organized Kishori Melas, blending education with entertainment, where girls engaged in discussions, showcased creativity through posters, and delivered speeches on digital rights and responsible social media use.
In collaboration with the police department, cyber safety workshops have been conducted at selected schools under the Girls Education Program. The campaign will culminate with a workshop on October 31st, focusing on “Empowering Tomorrow’s Digital Leaders: Equipping Young Girls with Life Skills for the Cyber World.”
Room to Read emphasizes that, in the realm of empowering girls in the digital space, life skills are integral companions to digital competencies. The incorporation of critical thinking, adaptability, and effective communication equips individuals to navigate the digital world effectively, contributing to personal growth and societal progress.