I was truly amazed when I read about how women in rural India are taking to the use of mobile phones in a big way. Even though
not many own one, the interest it has generated is important to note here.
Recently in rural Rajasthan, a 30 year old, mother of four who had never stepped out of her house without a male escort found her most prized possession was her second hand mobile phone. Rural women may lack education and
knowledge; however a cell-phone is slowly becoming a tool for women empowerment. With this, women can keep a tab on their children, talk to their relatives and friends located in another village at the click of a button, move freely around the village and even get the latest update on exhibitions to sell their handicrafts and earn extra income. This is wonderful news and the start of a small revolution towards empowering rural, illiterate women.
Through this medium, women would have the power of shared knowledge through intra as well as inter groups. They could create a support system for one another and feel secure that help is at hand with a click of a button. This way of empowering women maybe in its nascent stage for the time being, however it is a positive and welcome step towards spreading awareness. This change will bring about confidence, hope and most of all knowledge and have far reaching effects. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing but that is in the past as women especially in rural India will have access to more information than they can imagine. The idea is a brilliant one and needs support and encouragement through village ‘panchayats’ and male dominated rural households.
The second hand mobile phone market needs to be aware of this niche group and government help with subsidising costs can see this plan progress in a big way. Women ‘grameen panchayats’ could take this forward with Central, regional Government as well as corporate help. We hope more ideas like this make the news so that their purpose has a wider impact and benefit to women who need it most.