Women and ICT: A Study on Access and Perceptions in North India

The potential of information and communication technology (ICT) as a tool to reduce gender inequality and strengthen the position of women in a society is increasingly recognized. However, a significant gender digital divide is also observed, which is reflected in women’s low level of access and use of ICT as compared to men due to socio-economic, structural, psychological and institutional barriers. In this context, this article aims to explore the state of Indian women with regard to access, usage and effects of ICT tools. It analyses respondents’ perceptions on ICT in relation to betterment of women’s conditions and also explores the reasons for poor access and usage of ICT among Indian women. The article is based on a study of cross-sectional survey data collected from women respondents residing in rural and urban areas of six states of India, namely Haryana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This article argues that it is imperative to make ICT more accessible and affordable for Indian women in order for them to garner its benefits