ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Digital Empowerment of Marginalised Women Workers: Pathways through Literacy and Skill Development

Marginalised women in the unorganised sector in India continue to face structural inequalities in education, healthcare and economic participation. This paper examines the transformative potential of digital literacy and skill development for empowering women tea plantation workers. The paper critically evaluates the intersections of gender, labour, law, and digital inclusion. It examines how digital interventions, ranging from financial literacy and telehealth to skill diversification and e-commerce, can strengthen women’s bargaining power, improve health outcomes and enhance their autonomy. The paper also reviews policy frameworks, such as the Plantation Labour Act (1951), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Digital India initiative, assessing their role in shaping women's empowerment. Theoretical frameworks including Sen's capability approach, intersectionality and Information and Communication Technology for Development, are employed to interpret the findings. The study highlights challenges such as digital divides, patriarchal constraints and poor law enforcement, while identifying pathways for integrating digital literacy with social work practice and grassroots activism. The paper concludes that digital empowerment, when coupled with legislative enforcement and community-based interventions, can foster inclusive growth and sustainable development for marginalised women workers.