Mobile Phone’s Role in Empowering Women in Communities: A Case Study of Bangladesh
Dr. Md. Naim Akter Siddique, Md. Najib Ibrahim · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science · 2024
This study aims to investigate the roles and impacts of mobile phones in empowering women within communities in Bangladesh. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it delves into how mobile phones contribute to women’s empowerment across political engagement, economic participation, and social connectivity in the country. The study utilized a semi-structured questionnaire to interview purposively selected 110 women aged 18 and above, all mobile phone users residing in Dhaka and Satkhira districts of Bangladesh. The quantitative analyses underscore the significant contributions of mobile phones to political, social, and economic empowerment. Political empowerment is evidenced by increased access to voting information, heightened election participation, and policy change advocacy. Social empowerment is reflected in strengthened interpersonal connections, heightened awareness of women’s rights, and active engagement in online discussions. Economically, mobile phones play a crucial role in facilitating e-commerce, enhancing job accessibility, fostering skill development, and supporting entrepreneurial endeavors. The qualitative insights from respondent narratives complement the quantitative findings, offering depth and context to the research outcomes. While acknowledging certain limitations, the study emphasizes the transformative potential of mobile phones in advancing women’s empowerment in Bangladesh. It calls for sustained efforts to bridge the digital gender gap and maximize the benefits of mobile technology for women across the country.