Women empowerment in Technology research paper
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Role of Information Technology for Promoting Women Empowerment Especially with
reference to Members of Self Help Groups in Ahmednagar District
Prof. Sandip K.Nimbalkar1 and Dr. R.R.Berad2 1,2Amrutvahini Institute of Management and Business Administration, Sangamner
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ABSTRACT
Women play an important role in various sectors such as economic, political, social, sports,
educational, enterprising etc. Women are crucial part of Indian economy. The movement of self
help group plays an important role for empowering women in India. Various IT enabled services
given various new trends for the market such as E-commerce, E learning, Etc. through this paper
researcher want to highlight significance of this trends for promoting women empowerment in
India. With the help of this trend women can acquire information about new trends, their usage
and knowledge they can explore to sell or develop their products/services by using new trends of
E-commerce. Knowledge of internet can upgrade the knowledge of women about political,
economical and social situation of whole word. Through this research work Researcher had tried
to find out information about uses of information technology among women members of self
help groups in Ahmednagar district.
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Key words: E-Commerce, NABARD, Self help group, Use of internet, Women Empowerment,
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Introduction
It is universally accepted truth that information technology offer immense opportunities for
development of economical, social, educational development of the people. Women
empowerment is an important part for the overall national development. About 72.2% of the
population lives in some 638,000 villages and the rest 27.8% in about 5,480 towns and urban
area. In 2013 male to female ratio is 940 females for every 1000 males. In 2012 total female
population was 591.4 million. Hence huge women population is leaving in India and women
empowerment is most important challenge in India. As women are the crucial part of Indian
economy and social system of India. They are actively involved in education, sports, politics and
any other field but the rate of women empowerment is not as per the expectation compared to
developed countries. Government of India has taken lot of initiatives for women empowerment
among them Self help Group is playing vital role. Through self help group movement women
come together, share their problem, and develop solution for survival and progress.
Information Technology
Information technology consists of various hardware, software , internet other communication
networks and media used for collection, storage , processing of the data and transmit information
in the form of data , voice , text , images etc. information technology offers time and space ,
these offers valuable resources for women especially in developing countries who suffer from
limited availability of the time ,social isolation and lack of assess of knowledge and productive
resources.(P. N. Prasad and V. Sridevi)
The movement of self help group started thirty years ago (1980s) with NGOs promoting self help
groups. Micro finance is novel approach to banking with poor people. In this significant and
momentum approach bank credit is extended to the poor through self help groups (SHGs), non
government organizations (NGOs), credit unions etc. India now occupies a significance place in
global microfinance through self help groups and the home grown SHG – Bank linkage (SBL).
This has evolved into a national movement with the proactive role of state governments gaining
recognition from all the major stakeholders. The concept of self help group services the principle
“by the women, of the women and for the women”. Self help groups are voluntary associations
of people with common interests formed to achieve collective social economic goals. Such
groups are organized for mutual help and benefit. It is formed without political affiliation. They
may comprise with 15-20 women and/or men although they generally consist exclusively of
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women members. In India 90 percent groups are formed by women members. Formation of
group is done at micro or group level. The initial operations of SHGs start with collective
savings from members. These groups inculcate the habit of thrift among the members. By
collecting small saving huge amount can be raised. These group advance loans to the needy
members. The total funds owned by the members are thus circulated in the form of loan among
the members.
The identification, formation and nurturing of groups is carried out by NGOs, other
developmental agencies or banks with the promoters inculcating habit of thrift among members.
Once the groups are trained and strengthened , they are linked to nereby banks, usually within
six months of formation. Banks provide collateral free credit in increasing proportion to the
groups accumulated savings. All the initiatives such as selection of borrowers for availing credit,
identification of activity, unit cost volume of loan, management of finance and procedures for
repayment are undertaken by the poor segment at the group level. Therefore it is clear that SHGs
are as a plan by the people, of the people, for the people. It reflects the real people’s participation
in the process of development at micro level.
Self Help Group in India
Over the decades of planned development, the shift of emphasis of women programmes from
purely welfare oriented approach to more pragmatic and development oriented. One has
recognized woman as a productive worker and contributor to the economy. The origin of SHG is
form the brain child of Gramin Bank of Bangladesh, which was founded by the economist, Prof.
Mohmmed Yunus of Chittagong University in the year 1975, to provide microfinance to rural
women in Bangladesh, micro-finance as a most powerful instrument to tackle poverty.
The SHGs in India were formed by Mysore Resettlement and development Agency (MYRADA),
a NGO in 1985 due to breakdown of large cooperatives organized by MYRADA. Up to 1986-87
there were nearly 300 SHGs in MYRADAs projects. MYRADA then approached NABARD for
an action research project on self help groups which funded the research within same timeline,
Asian and Pacific Regional Agriculture Credit Association weighted options and agreed on
further action for effectively increasing credit access for the poor people.
In India NABARD and a member of APRACA carried out a deliberate study which gave useful
insights into the dynamics of group organization, saving potential and repayment ethics of the
poor. Encouraged by the results of the study and action research project of MYRADA,
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NABARD in consultation with Reserve Bank of India (RBI), commercial banks and NGOs,
launched a pilot project in 1991-92 for linking of SHGs with banks. Thus the microfinance
activity is result of NABARDs work that started in February 1992 through an initial pilot project
promoting 500 SHGs. RBI has advised commercial Banks in July 1991 to extend finance to
SHGs as per NABARD guidelines all over India.
Importance of Information Technology for Women Empowerment
Social Empowerment
1. New knowledge and information.
2. Awareness and understanding of issues.
3. Skills, abilities and competence.
4. Support, friendship and inspiration.
5. Participating in group activities with women.
Political Empowerment
1. Participating in policy making.
2. Taking action to change your life or your community.
3. Networking and lobbying.
4. Changing stereotypes about rural women.
Psychological Empowerment
1. Self confidence and self esteem.
2. Feeling more valued and respected.
3. Motivation, interest and enthusiasm.
4. Freedom to do things or express yourself.
5. Feelings of belonging wellbeing and happiness.
Technical Empowerment
1. Knowledge about ICTs.
2. Awareness and understanding about ICTs.
3. Skills and competence in using new ICTs.
4. Ongoing support and advice in using ICTs.
5. Access to high quality technologies.
6. Confidence to use and speak about ICTs.
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Economical Empowerment
1. Women’s control over income.
2. Relative contribution to family support.
3. Employment opportunities.
Literature Review
Panchakshari Ninad and Huddedar Sudhir (2012) revealed that Personal Micro Finance plays a
vital role in the life of low income group people. it is also revealed that self employed women
improved their saving habits to certain extent. No doubt improved saving habits does not mean
improved standard of living. Das Sanjay Kanti (June-2012) in his research paper reported that a
self help group plays an important role in developing decision making ability and leadership
qualities. He further explained that women are very interested in education and improving their
personal skills and competencies. Talwar Shalini (2012) reported that financial inclusion is a
necessary condition for India to become a global economic power. There exists enough empirical
evidence to prove that economic growth follows financial inclusion. Financial access and deeper
markets, representing large number of customers, will definitely attract global financial giants
and the lure of profits and numbers will make them gravitate more towards India. Inflow of
international funds will result in increasing employment and business opportunities, thereby
starting a positive cycle of growth and more growth. Laxmi R. and Vadivalagan G. in her
research paper reported that women empowerment is the process in which women challenge the
existing norms and culture to effectively promote their well being. Participation of women in self
help groups empowers women in social and economical aspects. Chandrasekhar K.S. and
shivaprakash C.S. (Nov-2010) in their research paper reported that role of information
communication technology has the vast potential for women empowerment. Social and economic
barrier can be effectively overcome through this programme. Tanuja Gill in her article explained
the role of Information technology is most important for the development of women in various
aspects such as education, training self help groups, motivational aspects. She concluded that
science and technology brings economic growth and well being to people and it is not only the
empowerment of women through science and technology but also the enrichment of science and
technology through women’s participation. Sylvia Maier and Nair Usha in their research paper
explained the importance of information technology for women empowerment. The main aim of
this paper is to set best practices of information technology for women empowerment through e-
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commerce/e –retailing. Various examples of information based services are given here such as
village pay phones in Bangladesh, computer facility at Kasargod, Kerala etc. Prasad P.N. and V.
Shridevi in their paper reported that information technology offers time and space these offers
valuable resources for women especially in developing countries who suffer from limited
availability of the time, social isolation and lack of assess of knowledge and productive
resources. According to giant survey of Google “Around 60 million women in India are now
online and use the Internet to manage their day-to-day life. With easy access to internet at homes,
cyber cafes, offices and growing adoption of smart phones, Internet is being used by women for
a variety of things- Rajan Anandan ".
Research Methodology
The meaning of research as “a careful investigation or inquiry especially through search for new
facts in any branch of knowledge.” Research is an academic activity and as such the should be
used in a technical sense .some people consider research as a movement, a movement from the
known to unknown. It is actually voyage of discovery.
Objectives of the study
1. To study awareness of information technology among women members of The self help
groups.
2. To study role of Information technology for women empowerment specially with reference to
Ahmednagar district.
Sources of data collection
The researcher has collected data with the help of primary as well as secondary sources. Primary
data are collected through the discussion with the members of self help groups, observations and
interview. Secondary data is collected through the books, internet, and journals.
Research design
Researcher has collected database through the exploratory & descriptive research design.
Sampling technique
For the Survey researcher has collected database through simple random sampling and Judgment
Sampling.
Research area
This study is restricted for the Kopergaon and Sangamner taluka of Ahmednagar District.
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Sample size
Researcher has studied 20 Women Self Help Groups in Kopergaon and Sangamner Taluka. From
each self help group researcher selected six members including president of Self Help Groups.
Scope of the study
Through this study researcher wanted to know various impacts of information technology on
women empowerment. Researcher focused on various usage of information technology. Women
also have the equal right to take the advantages of information technology for their various
functions in working group and for Self development. The researcher highlighted this importance
with the help of self help groups. It is also focused on importance of internet for women
empowerment especially with reference to women members of self help groups. Self help group
is well-known concept and spreads vary rapidly in India. Hence women of the self help group
can come together, discuss about usage of internet and that usage they should implement in their
well functioning of self help groups. In this research paper researcher studied role of Information
technology especially internet, computer, online banking, use of ATM in banking etc. by the
women members of self help groups.
Hypothesis of the study
H0 : Information Technology significantly supporting for women empowerment.
H1 : Information Technology are not significantly supporting for women empowerment.
Limitations of the study
This research work observed that maximum members of women self help group not easily ready
to share the information. Another important thing observed that duration of time for research
study. With this both limitation researcher tried to collect maximum database for this research
study.
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Data Analysis and Interpretation:
Table 1: Progress under Microfinance - Savings of SHGs with Regional Rural Banks as on 31st
March 2012
(Amount in lakh Rs.)
Details of SHGs Saving linked with Banks
Out of Total SHGs Under SGSY Scheme
Out of Total SHGs Exclusive Women SHGs
No. of SHGs
No. of Members
Savings Amount
No. of SHGs
No. of Members
Savings Amount
No. of SHGs
No. of Members
Savings Amount
425285 5131982 45016.61 129919 1361302 9653.18 293445 3464790 35510.47
Source: NABARD Report-2011-12
Graph 1: SHG coverage Ratio in Maharashtra
Table 2: Percentage of SHG Coverage
Green Yellow Red
Above 80% Between 50%-80% <50%
Source: Nabard Report-2011-12
Interpretation: From the above Table and Graph it is clear that in Ahmednagar District more than
80 percent self help groups are exist. From the overall statistics of Maharashtra (Table- 1) it is
also cleared that maximum women self help groups playing important role progress of
Microfinance.
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Graph 2: Awareness among the women members of Self Help Groups
Graph 3: Details about awareness level:
Graph 4: Reasons for lack of awareness
Interpretation: Above graph (1 & 2) indicates that maximum women are aware about
Information technology but they are not using these sources at their own level. They are heard
name of information technology and they knew only it play important role for various purpose.
Bank personnel, trainer are used this sources on behalf of them. In Graph 3 reasons for lack of
awareness are shown. Major reasons are Non availability of resources to use and they are not
properly aware about the usage of IT.
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Table No 3: Opinion about Role of Information Technology for Women Empowerment
Particulars
Observed
frequency
Oi
Expected
frequency
Ei
X=
Oi- Ei
X2 X2/ Ei
Information Sharing 68 78 -10 100 1.28
For Entrepreneurial Purpose 62 78 -16 256 3.28
For political Information Purpose 65 78 -13 169 2.16
For societal Purpose 70 78 -8 64 0.85
Awareness about Government schemes 70 78 -8 64 0.85
For smooth and effective administration 70 78 -8 64 0.82
For Economic purpose 75 78 -3 9 0.11
Data storage and Record Keeping 75 78 -3 9 0.11
Calculated Value 9.46
Level of significance 5 % n-1 , 8-1=7 Table Value is =14.06
Interpretation: From the above table it is clear that calculated values of the observations are less
than table value. Hence it accept null hypothesis i.e. Information Technology significantly
supporting for women empowerment.
Graph 5: Women members of self help group interested for use of Information technology:
Sources-Primary Data
Interpretation: From the above graph maximum women members are interested to get aware
about all the functions, usage of internet.
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Conclusion
This study shows that self help group played vital role for women empowerment in India.
Information Technology gave various benefits for the well being of Human. In urban area
maximum women access information technology resources but in rural area majority of the
women only heard the name of Internet. This study indicates that maximum women could not
access internet and various information technology resources due to non-availability of resources
such as computer, internet and other services. Majority of the women of self help groups opined
that they are not aware about proper usage of internet. On the basis of analysis researcher
revealed that women want to acquire various information by using information technology
especially economic, political social, new entrepreneurship related, Government schemes,
Information sharing, information storage etc. As internet is huge source of Information and
knowledge. It is also observed that information technology play vital role for women
empowerment, members of self help groups viewed that if sources are available then information
technology can empower women in economic, social, political and other ways. Lot of self help
groups nowadays are expanding their operations in various farm related business. Various new
trends are also playing vital role for business operations such as E-commerce, Online Trading,
and Online Banking etc. If all members of the self help groups are get aware about this they can
enjoy lots of benefits through this IT enabled services.
Suggestions
This study revealed various parameters through which women members of self help groups can
empower themselves in various perspectives. For increasing awareness and usage of information
technology Government should increase initiative for training and development of Information
Technology to members of women self help groups. Maximum women are not showing keen
interest for the use of Information technology; hence women members should actively participate
in awareness of Information technology. Women are depended upon trainer and bank personnel
for various purpose of banking they should handle this all at their own level. It is also observed
that maximum women of self help groups give minimum time for functioning of self help group
they should try to give maximum time so that maximum information sharing may be possible.
Bank and trainer from NGO can give information of various new trends of banking such mobile
banking, internet banking etc. to women members of self help groups. Through this suggestion
maximum members of women self help groups can empower themselves.
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