Abstract
This study explores how digital literacy influences the education and empowerment of rural women in Bangladesh from 2015 to 2024. Using data from surveys, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups, it examines how rural women access digital technologies, the challenges they face, and the social and educational benefits of increased digital engagement. Despite growth in digital literacy and ICT access over the past decade, rural women still face significant hurdles, including socioeconomic barriers, cultural and gender norms, limited digital infrastructure, high device costs, and unequal training opportunities. These structural issues, along with regional differences and low digital awareness, continue to widen the gender digital divide. The findings show that digital literacy significantly enhances educational participation, access to online learning, communication, and opportunities for income generation and entrepreneurship. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of digital skills for maintaining educational continuity and for remote service access. However, participation remains uneven, especially among the most marginalized rural groups. The study emphasizes the need for targeted, gender-sensitive digital literacy programs that address affordability, connectivity, and cultural barriers. It also recommends policies to improve rural ICT infrastructure, expand community-based training, and foster inclusive digital ecosystems. Overall, this research provides new empirical evidence, showing that digital literacy—when combined with accessible infrastructure and culturally appropriate programs—can be a powerful tool for closing educational gaps, enabling socioeconomic mobility, and advancing gender equality in rural Bangladesh.
Conclusions
The deployment of CBDRR programs has proven to be an effective means of strengthening communities’ resilience to disasters. By prioritising active community engagement, developing locally tailored solutions, and fostering collaboration with external partners, CBDRR empowers communities to manage their disaster preparedness and response efforts better. However, the success of these initiatives hinges on several key factors, including ongoing institutional support, continuous capacity building through education and training, and the integration of modern technologies. Moreover, ensuring that planning and implementation processes are inclusive and participatory is crucial for safeguarding the interests of all community members, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
To maximise the effectiveness of CBDRR programs, it is essential to establish dependable communication systems that enable the timely sharing of risk-related information. Additionally, focusing on long-term strategies that weave disaster risk reduction into the community’s routine activities can help sustain these efforts over time. Strengthening partnerships between local communities and various organisations is another vital element, as it can provide access to additional resources, expertise, and improved coordination during disaster response operations. In light of the growing challenges posed by climate change and the increasing frequency of disasters, adopting a comprehensive, community-centred approach to disaster risk management is essential for building resilient communities that can effectively respond to and recover from future crises.
Equally important is the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of CBDRR programs to ensure they remain relevant and practical over time. By regularly reassessing the risks and needs of the community, programs can be adjusted to stay responsive to evolving circumstances. Additionally, incorporating lessons learned from previous disasters into future planning efforts allows communities to build on their experiences and further enhance their resilience. This adaptive approach not only improves the immediate effectiveness of disaster risk reduction efforts but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Therefore, creating an environment where feedback and innovation are actively integrated into CBDRR programs is crucial for ensuring their long-term success and sustainability in the face of growing disaster risks.
Despite the success of CBDRR, there are gaps in integrating advanced technologies for real-time hazard assessment and damage evaluation. The current use of UAVs and remote sensing within CBDRR frameworks remains underutilised, limiting their potential for informed decision-making and timely response. Future advancements could focus on incorporating UAVs and remote sensing data to enhance hazard mapping, early warning systems, and post-disaster recovery, which will improve the overall effectiveness of CBDRR. This integration is crucial for scaling CBDRR initiatives and strengthening resilience against diverse disaster risks.
How to cite
Karmaker, R., & Cvetković, V. M. (2025). Digital Literacy and Educational Empowerment Among Rural Women in Bangladesh: Bridging the Technology Access Gap. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(2), 239-262. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.13
