Bridging the digital divide: ICT empowerment of rural women in Karnataka toward 2030 SDGs

The study examines how information and communication technology (ICT) empowers rural women in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Vijayapura, and Kalburgi, Karnataka's four largest revenue divisions. This research examines how ICT might empower rural women socially and economically in the context of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The research uses a mixed-methods technique to collect quantitative data from structured surveys of 100 rural women, 25 from each revenue division, and qualitative data. The investigation examines accessibility, training, and the preferred ICT tools of rural women. It examines how modern technologies affect education, entrepreneurship, health, and social inclusion. ICT initiatives enhance women's empowerment but face challenges due to infrastructure and training gaps. The findings suggest ways politicians, NGOs, and other stakeholders might improve rural women's lives via ICT. This research helps achieve the SDGs by mapping the links between ICT adoption and empowerment, emphasizing the need for focused, region-specific policies to maximize ICT advantages for rural women in Karnataka. The study examines how ICT empowers rural women in Karnataka's rural revenue divisions of Bengaluru, Mysuru, Vijayapura, and Kalburgi. It studies how ICT tools and services might improve rural women's socioeconomic situations to help accomplish the 2030 SDGs, notably gender equality and decreased inequities. Mixed-approach research uses quantitative and qualitative methods. ICT accessibility and usage vary by geography, with more developed places having higher levels. Online education platforms and mobile health services have helped rural women access education, healthcare, and economic prospects. Inadequate infrastructure, rural women's low literacy and computer abilities, and cultural hurdles hinder women's technology adoption. ICT can empower rural women in Karnataka but requires measures to address constraints. Boosting digital literacy, infrastructure, and gender-sensitive ICT policy was reccomended. By connecting and informing rural women, these programs might help achieve the SDGs.