Tech for Moms

Tech for Moms, an initiation by Safer-I, focuses on teaching adult women to be mindful and responsible while using technology and to become self-sufficient while making decisions in their digital spaces. Embracing the inclusive vision of Safer-I, we conducted a workshop “Tech for Moms” in Nawalparasi, targeting those women in rural areas. The workshop's main objective was to help the participants create a digital presence and navigate the internet safely and securely.

On November 30th, we conducted the workshop and kick-started from 11 AM to 3 PM. We had 34 female participants on the first day. The topics covered were internet security, password security, and hands-on content filtering on social media like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Additionally, we trained the participants to block and report on Facebook. The following day on Dec 1st, we dived more into digital transactions. The topics included hands-on experience with one of the digital payment service providers, eSewa, its account creation, KYC verification, and basic digital transactions like transferring mobile balances and loading e-wallets. We wrapped our session by guiding the participants through the process of creating a Google account, ensuring they understood each step clearly and could complete the setup successfully.

The training transformed participants' understanding of social media. They grasped the purpose and responsible use of these platforms, shifting from passive users to active participants. Their eagerness to learn was truly inspiring, as they readily absorbed the knowledge and actively implemented the skills throughout the workshop. This hands-on approach solidified their learning and empowered them to confidently navigate the social media landscape. One highlight of this event is that the workshop equipped participants with the skills to top up their eSewa wallets, and confidently scan QR codes for seamless transactions. They even validated KYC verification for further use and transfer. This incredible transformation showcased the power of learning and the vast opportunities technology offers.

Tech for Moms 

Background

Mothers in urban Nepal consist of literate middle-aged women with access to all kinds of mobile devices and technology, yet they lack the proper knowledge to use them effectively to make their daily lives and family concerns easier. They are also prone to online fraud and misinformation through malicious news sources. Since mothers are responsible for running the house, a technologically literate mother could mean that the whole family will perform more efficiently in the digital landscape paving the path for growth and prosperity. With proper hands-on teaching, we can empower them to be independent and self-reliant. Having more digitally literate moms also means fewer chances of falling into internet scams and fake news, for which they are incredibly vulnerable. 

Introduction

Keeping this in mind, we at Safer-I, started the ‘Tech for Moms’ program. ‘Tech for Moms’ is a program designed to educate and aware women from older demographics regarding the basics of creating digital IDs, safely using different social media platforms, and using digital wallets like Esewa. The first ‘Tech for Moms’ workshop was conducted on the 10th & 11th of September of 2023 in Ilam Bazaar, Ilam for 24 participants. The second ‘Tech for Moms’ workshop was conducted on the 4th & 5th of June 2023 in Amarahat, Dharan for 29 participants. The third ‘Tech for Moms’ workshop was conducted on the 9th & 10th of December 2023 in Pati Bhanjyang, Sindhupalchowk for 22 participants. The fourth ‘Tech for Moms’ workshop was conducted on the 28th and the 29th of April 2024 in Kirtipur, Kathmandu for 24 participants.

Objective

To educate adult women on areas of digital literacy, misinformation, and ethical use of digital media for them to be self-sufficient while using technology and making sound decisions on social platforms.

Tech for Moms Ilam

Our pilot workshop was conducted on 10th-11th September 2022 for the women of Mahila Jagran Sangh in Ilam Bazar, Ilam. A total of twenty-four participants belonging to the age group 20-72 representing different professions, ethnicities, and backgrounds were introduced to the basics of digital literacy and security. Divided over two days, the workshop centered on introducing basic digital knowledge, understanding information on the internet, and aspects of financial digital literacy.

Tech for Moms Dharan

The second iteration of the workshop was organized on 4th-5th June 2023 for women of Dharan-13 at Ward Office Dharan-13, Amarahat, Dharan. A total of twenty-nine participants belonging to the age group 28-58 representing different professions, ethnicities, and backgrounds were introduced to the basics of digital literacy and security. Divided over two days, the workshops centered on introducing basic digital knowledge, processing information on the internet, and social media etiquette.

Tech for Moms Sindhupalchowk

The third iteration of the workshop was organized on 9th-10th December 2023 for women of Pati Bhanjyang, Sindhupalchowk at Pati Bhanjyang, Sindhupalchow. A total of twenty-two participants belonging to the age group 32-72 representing different professions, ethnicities, and backgrounds were introduced to the basics of digital literacy and security. Divided over two days, the workshops centered on introducing basic digital knowledge, processing information on the internet, accessing basic phone tools, and social media etiquette.

Tech for Moms Kirtipur

The fourth iteration of the workshop was organized on 28th-29th April 2024 for women involved with Orange Butterflies in Kirtipur, Kathmandu. A total of twenty-four participants belonging to the age group 24-60 representing different professions, ethnicities, and backgrounds were introduced to the basics of digital literacy and security. Divided over two days, the workshops centered on introducing basic digital knowledge, processing information on the internet, accessing basic phone tools, social media etiquette, and digital marketing basics.

SDGs Included

1. SDG 4: Quality Education - By providing digital literacy education to mothers, 'Tech for Moms' promotes lifelong learning opportunities and enhances their ability to navigate and utilize digital tools effectively.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality - 'Tech for Moms' empowers women, specifically mothers, by improving their digital literacy, which contributes to greater gender equality and reduces the digital gender divide.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - By teaching women how to use digital financial tools like eSewa, 'Tech for Moms' supports economic independence and entrepreneurship, contributing to economic growth.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - 'Tech for Moms' aims to reduce inequalities by providing digital literacy skills to a marginalized group, thereby enhancing their participation in the digital economy and society.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - 'Tech for Moms' highlights the importance of partnerships with local governments, digital financial technologies, and other agencies to enhance the reach and effectiveness of the workshops.

These goals collectively support the broader mission of digital inclusion and empowerment for women, ultimately contributing to sustainable development.

Growth of the Project

The team is currently looking to partner up with local digital finance companies and telecommunication companies to support the continuation of the project. We are looking to conduct the sessions in more remote areas in the future and we plan to partner with agencies that can help us with the continuation and expansion of the program. This workshop highlights the grim reality of digital exclusion but the success of the workshop also inspires us to continue with our goal with our ‘Tech for Moms’ project.