Tech for Moms

Tech for Moms

Background
Older women, in particular, have been systematically marginalized from actively participating in digital spaces because of their comparatively lower prowess in the English language, lack of decision-making powers, lack of financial independence, lower education levels, and so on. Their identity lies in the intersection of systemic misogyny and ageism thereby making it harder for them to ask for and receive the required support. This lack of support in gaining digital literacy means that older women are left bereft of financial independence, civic participation, and so on. 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 life 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.

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.

Monitoring and Evaluation
1) Baseline and Endline surveys for the participants
2) Individual experience sharing

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.

Reflection & Future Goals
Reflecting on the sessions, the Safer-I team has realized the need to continue and expand our program. 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 the motto of digital inclusion but the success of the workshop also inspires us to continue with our goal with our ‘Tech for Moms’ project.

• Tech_for_Moms_Report.pdf (PDF)