Access to technologies such as women-friendly work tools can improve health aspects, agricultural productivity and efficiency, and thus socioeconomics.
Digital technologies in particular help women access information about sustainable and efficient agricultural practices and financial assistance programs. In addition, and through increased literacy rates, it provides them with access to higher education and possibly alternative employment opportunities. Access to social networks can help women connect more with each other, and help putting pressure on established socio-political structures.
Below are two examples of studies on the impact on adapted farming tools/access to technology for women.
Findings from Women Friendly Improved Farm Tools and Implements for Commercialization :SP Singh (LM-10002), R S Singh and N Agarwal
Devices rarely adapted for women (4.71% in Madha Pradesh, India)
Adapted devices have been proven to be better for health, more efficient and thus enable increased agricultural productivity.
-> This leads to a better socio-economic situation of the communty/household, which makes them more resiliant to disturbances.
-> Women have more time for education/ other activities, because they are more efficient.
Sociotechnical Transformative Effects of an ICT Project in Rural Bangladesh
(Larry Stillman, Mauro Sarrica, Misita Anwar, Anindita Sarker, Manuela Farinosi)
A government project on research and ownership of technology, Information and Change [PROTIC] which evaluated the impact of access to cell phones for women in rural villages in Bangladesh.
Key findings:
illiteracy rates decreased
Better technological language
More social networking
More knowledge on animal/agricultural production
More knowledhe about health, government services, market information
The resources were also used for children's education
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