Impact of Digital Literacy on Women’s Economic Empowerment in Rural Rajasthan

Abstract

Focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), which promotes decent work and economic growth, this study examines how digital literacy affects women's economic empowerment in rural Rajasthan. Even though digital technologies are becoming more widely used, rural women frequently encounter several obstacles when trying to access and use them for business purposes. The study examines how rural women's current levels of digital literacy affect their ability to access financial services, engage in entrepreneurship, and participate in income-generating activities. A mixed-methods approach was used to gather data from case studies, surveys, and structured interviews in a few chosen rural districts. The study identifies major obstacles to women's full digital inclusion, including inadequate training programs, sociocultural constraints, and limited infrastructure. Furthermore, a critical analysis is conducted of the role that government programs and non-governmental organizations play in improving women's digital literacy. Results show that through increasing job opportunities, facilitating market access, and promoting financial independence, better digital literacy greatly supports women's economic empowerment. In order to ensure inclusive and long-term economic growth in Rajasthan, the paper ends with suggestions for improving digital literacy initiatives geared toward rural women. This study adds to the larger conversation about digital inclusion and gender equality in rural India.