The recently published Policy Brief by UNDP India, "Digital Technology as an Instrument to Bridge the Gender Gap in Access to Labour Markets", offers crucial insights into the persistent gender digital divide in India. Among its key messages is the need to "generate awareness about the usefulness of mobile and internet using tailored content" — a principle that lies at the heart of Audiopedia Bharat's mission.
The Gender Digital Divide in India
India faces one of the widest digital gender gaps globally, with significant disparities in mobile phone ownership, internet access, and digital literacy. According to the Policy Brief, only 35% of Indian women own smartphones, and a mere 26% use mobile internet regularly. The digital gender gap in India is 30% compared to an average of 15% in low- and middle-income countries. This divide is further exacerbated in rural areas, where limited infrastructure and socio-cultural norms restrict women's access to technology.
The Policy Brief highlights that while 75% of Indian women own mobile phones, the majority are basic phones with limited internet capabilities. Furthermore, digital literacy remains alarmingly low, with only 21% of women above the age of 15 having any form of digital literacy. The lack of access to digital tools not only limits information flow but also restricts women's ability to participate in economic activities, thereby affecting their financial independence and social mobility.
Audiopedia Bharat: Empowering Women Through Tailored Content
Audiopedia Bharat is at the forefront of addressing these challenges by providing tailored content that meets the diverse needs of Indian women. This tailored approach is defined by three core principles:
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Mother Language Localization: Audiopedia Bharat offers audio-based knowledge in native languages such as Chhattisgarhi, Hindi, Nepali, Telugu, and Urdu, ensuring content is culturally relevant and easily understood.
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Accessibility for Non-Readers: By using audio formats, Audiopedia breaks literacy barriers and promotes accessible knowledge for women who cannot read or write.
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Relevance of Content: The platform focuses on life-changing topics that matter most to women, including health, gender rights, financial literacy, and climate resilience.
Implemented in collaboration with the "FAIR Forward - Artificial Intelligence for All" project by GIZ, the Digital India Bhashini Division of MeitY, and the Indian Institute of Science, Audiopedia Bharat leverages AI technologies for content localization. This approach democratizes knowledge, making it accessible even in the most remote areas. The platform offers:
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Localized Playlists: Women can access information in languages they speak at home, fostering a sense of ownership and connection.
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Easy Sharing Mechanisms: Knowledge can be shared via WhatsApp, QR codes, and short URLs, extending the reach within communities.
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Offline Accessibility: Pre-made posters with QR codes enable offline dissemination, crucial for areas with limited internet connectivity.
In addition, Audiopedia Bharat champions Inclusive Technology to further bridge the digital divide.
Insights from the UNDP Policy Brief
The Policy Brief emphasizes that digital technologies significantly impact six out of nine targets under SDG 5. Key insights include:
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Impact on Labor Force Participation: Access to mobile phones increases female labor force participation by 4% in rural areas and 3% in urban areas. Exclusive mobile phone access boosts participation by an additional 6% in urban settings.
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Role of Internet Access: Availability of internet at home enhances the effect of mobile phone use on women's labor market participation, especially in urban areas.
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Importance of Digital Literacy: Digital literacy amplifies the positive impact of mobile phone use, yet its benefits are predominantly observed in urban contexts due to better infrastructure and diversified employment opportunities.
Most importantly, the brief highlights that generating awareness about the usefulness of mobile and internet technologies through tailored content is key to bridging the digital gender gap. This is exactly what Audiopedia Bharat excels at—delivering content that is localized, accessible, and relevant.
Connecting the Dots: Audiopedia and SDG 5.B
Audiopedia’s inclusion in the UNDP Policy Brief underscores its role in advancing gender equality through technology. By breaking language and literacy barriers, Audiopedia Bharat contributes directly to SDG 5.B, promoting the empowerment of women via accessible, technology-driven solutions.
Audiopedia Bharat’s approach aligns with the Policy Brief's recommendations to:
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Increase Mobile Access: Collaborate with telecom companies to provide affordable smartphones.
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Enhance Digital Literacy: Implement community-based digital literacy programs tailored for women.
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Promote Gender-Inclusive Content: Develop culturally relevant content that resonates with women’s lived experiences.
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Leverage Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between governments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to scale impact.
A Call to Action
As we reflect on the findings of the UNDP Policy Brief, it is evident that closing the gender digital divide requires collaborative efforts. Audiopedia Bharat stands as a testament to how innovative, inclusive technologies can transform lives. To support this mission, we encourage stakeholders from government, private sectors, and civil society to join hands in scaling such impactful initiatives.
For every woman, the power of knowledge is not just a right but a lifeline. Let's bridge the digital divide, one voice at a time.
To read the full Policy Brief, click here.
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