Sheatwork reflects on the fact – is literacy enough? Why do women entrepreneurs need digital skills to survive?
#InternationalLiteracyDay #DigitalLiteracy #WomenEntrepreneurs #BridgingTheGap #SheLeadsDigital #FromBooksToBytes #EmpowerHer #FutureReadyWomen #DigitalInclusion #ResilientWomen
Every year on September 8, the world pauses to celebrate International Literacy Day (ILD) – a reminder that literacy is more than the ability to read and write; it is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of progress. First proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966, the day underscores literacy as the foundation of lifelong learning, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
The theme for 2025, “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era,” could not be more relevant in today’s knowledge-driven society. Literacy now extends beyond books and classrooms – it encompasses the skills to navigate digital landscapes, evaluate information critically, and engage with global opportunities. Yet millions worldwide remain excluded, with women and marginalized groups disproportionately affected. This gap not only undermines individual growth but also reinforces cycles of poverty and inequality.
It’s all about bridging the digital divide for women entrepreneurs.
For women entrepreneurs, digital literacy is not just an added skill; it is a game-changer. In a world where businesses thrive online, digital literacy enables women to reach customers, build brands, and access global markets. It also allows them to manage digital finance tools, adopt e-commerce solutions, and strengthen cybersecurity practices – critical elements for survival and growth in the modern economy. Moreover, media literacy empowers women to craft compelling online content, from social media campaigns to visually engaging infographics, amplifying their reach and impact.
Why does digital literacy matter for women entrepreneurs? There are a few factors involved.
Bridging the gender digital divide: Equips women to compete on equal footing in the digital economy.
Expanding reach: Enables businesses, especially small enterprises, to connect with wider audiences through online platforms.
Improving decision-making: Helps entrepreneurs analyze data, verify sources, and make informed business choices.
Future-proofing businesses: Keeps women-led enterprises competitive in rapidly evolving markets.
From ABC to AI: Are We Failing Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital Age?
In rural areas, the stakes are even higher. Digital literacy can empower women to overcome barriers such as limited mobility, inadequate infrastructure, and restricted access to traditional markets. By leveraging digital tools, rural women entrepreneurs can access training, connect with suppliers, and sell products beyond geographical constraints. As digital entrepreneurship grows, it has the potential not only to boost women’s incomes but also to reduce poverty and strengthen rural economies.
The Covid-19 pandemic underlined this shift – enterprises with digital readiness survived and adapted, while others struggled. For women entrepreneurs, particularly in developing countries like India, digital inclusion is now central to economic participation. Ensuring access to digital tools, affordable internet, and capacity-building programmes is essential to break the cycle of exclusion.
Closing the Literacy Gap: Will Digital Skills Empower or Exclude Women Further?
On International Literacy Day 2025, the call is clear: literacy in the digital era must be inclusive, gender-responsive & future-focused. Women entrepreneurs are catalysts of economic resilience and innovation, but only when equipped with digital skills can they realize their full potential. Bridging the digital divide is not just about connecting women to technology – it is about empowering them to lead, compete & create a sustainable future.
As the world celebrates literacy, it is time to reaffirm our commitment: an investment in women’s digital literacy is an investment in global progress!
Avtar Madan
Shree Lahiri
Himanshu
