Development and Implementation of a Need-Based Digital Literacy Training Program for Rural Women: Evidence from Haryana, India

Abstract

Background: Digital literacy is defined as the ability to access, understand and use digital technologies effectively for communication, information retrieval and participation in socio-economic activities. The increasing use of smartphones and internet services has highlighted the need for need-based digital literacy training programs to enhance the digital skills and socio-economic empowerment of rural women in Haryana. Aims: The present study aimed to develop and implement a need-based digital literacy training program for rural women and to assess their participation and perception towards the training program. Study Design: The study followed an experimental research design using a participatory training approach. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in selected villages of Agroha and Barwala blocks of Hisar district, Haryana during the year 2023-24. Methodology: A purposive sample of 50 rural women was selected on the basis of willingness to participate in digital literacy training and availability of smartphones. A structured training module was developed in consultation with subject experts based on the learning needs identified during the baseline survey. The ten-day training program included sessions on smartphone operations, communication platforms, digital payments, e-commerce applications, educational apps and cyber safety practices. Participation and perception of respondents were assessed using a three-point rating scale. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean scores and ranking techniques. Results: The findings revealed that hands-on practice received the highest participation score (Mean = 2.82), followed by demonstration (Mean = 2.70). Among training topics, communication platforms recorded the highest participation (Mean = 2.85), followed by digital payment applications (Mean = 2.78). Respondents perceived the training as easy to understand (Mean = 2.80) and appreciated the clarity of instruction provided during the sessions (Mean = 2.75). The training program significantly improved familiarity and confidence of rural women in using smartphones and digital applications. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that need-based and participatory digital literacy training programs can effectively enhance digital awareness and practical digital skills among rural women. Community-based digital literacy initiatives may play an important role in promoting digital inclusion and socio-economic empowerment among rural women.