Tura is the district headquarters of the West Garo Hills. It is also the second largest town in the state after Shillong. According to 2001 Census, the total population of the district was nearly 5, 10,243. Literacy rate of the district was 51 percent and sex ratio was 969 women per 1000 men. 75.7 percent of Tura population resides in rural areas. The literacy rate in the district as per the Census, 2001 is lower than the state average. Although the female literacy rate in the urban areas of the district is more than 80 percent, it is very low in rural areas.
Providing rural people with appropriate information and services can lead to long-term development in rural areas. Digital content has proved to be the most effective and reliable way to bring such important changes at local level and its flexibility and adaptability have been seen essential to overcome geographical, cultural and social barrier. In the recent past Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has come to the rescue of many women worldwide. Technology has facilitated women in developing countries in many ways. As we all know that the digital literacy has the potential to bring changes in the society by providing women with information, so that they can lead a more independent, comfortable and technologically advanced life. It is also looked at as boon for all women and girls in developing countries who can take this opportunity and can get access to the whole new digital world.
WDLP (Women Digital Literacy Programme) is a training programme initiated from 20th Apil, 2014 in Tura to spread e- literacy among women. The programme is providing functional and need based resource support for lifelong learning and economic upliftment of women. Through this digital literacy programme, women are given a chance to improve their social and economic self-efficiency. 25 women from different households and background will be trained on ICT tools.
They will be given trained on MS Word, Excel, how to make Power Point Presentation and given knowledge about basic Internet skills. Through this training TISC is expecting tribal women to be independent, innovative, confident and make best use of their smart opportunity.
Expected Outcome from the WDLP
With the help of this training women can focus more on social production, social consumption and social services for the upliftment of society as well as for themselves. Training on ICT tools will also increase employment opportunities for them. It will empower the community to determine their own future with self-efficiency and efficacy.
Conclusion
Digital Literacy Programme has multiple benefits. It is the single largest initiative towards bringing society on to a digital platform. Once significant penetration is achieved, digital medium can be a very simple, economical and effective medium of instruction for skill development. Digital literacy along with access will introduce an average Indian lady to the entire world. With access and information she will have the right exposure and connectivity. These small elements together will have the potential to deliver both social and economic empowerment to women.