Use of information and communication technology (ICT) by tribal women in Jharkhand

Access to information and resources is an important factor for acquiring knowledge and analytical ability in postmodern context of contemporary world. Our Indian context is not an exception. ICT is a vehicle which can link people with information and knowledge. Therefore ICT is considered an important requirement for any developmental and empowerment endeavour. This is primarily because ICT can not only connect people to resources but also empower them to access them effectively. One of the sections of society that has suffered due to lack of access to ICT is tribal women. This section is already handicapped by their limited access to the resources in public domain due to socio-cultural restrictions. Tribal women suffer from intensive discrimination, and it is intensified due to lack of access to the information and communication tools. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can become a patent force that can reach tribal women and enrich their knowledge and help in empowering them in various sectors. The paper focuses on the availability and accessibility of ICTs to SHGs and how they use the tools for their own benefits. The paper highlights the availability and use of ICTs by the Self-Help Group (SHG) women in tribal areas of Jharkhand and its analytical findings on the daily experiences of women accessing different ICT tools for various activities and purposes. The paper is based on the research findings carried out in the tribal parts of Jharkhand, India and highlights how ICT intervention introduced by various government & non-government sectors help in bringing about change the live of tribal women. It also talks on the reach and acceptability of the ICT tools and focuses on the various empowerments and its concerns for tribal women.