Digital Literacy Empowerment for Rural Women Micro-Entrepreneurs in West Java, Indonesia
Keywords:
digital literacy, women empowerment, rural entrepreneurship, participatory developmentAbstract
Purpose – This study aims to examine the effectiveness of digital literacy empowerment programs for rural women micro-entrepreneurs in West Java, Indonesia. The research addresses challenges faced by women-owned micro-enterprises in adapting to digital business practices, particularly in online marketing, digital financial management, and technology utilization. The study highlights the importance of community-based digital empowerment in improving economic resilience and social participation among rural women entrepreneurs.
Design/methods/approach – The study employed a mixed-method approach involving surveys, semi-structured interviews, and field observations. Data were collected from 85 women micro-entrepreneurs participating in a six-month empowerment program conducted collaboratively by universities, local governments, and community organizations. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative findings were interpreted through thematic analysis to identify major empowerment outcomes and implementation challenges.
Findings – The findings indicate that 78% of participants experienced increased online business engagement, while 64% reported improved household income stability after participating in the program. Participants also demonstrated greater confidence in using digital payment systems and social media marketing tools. However, limited internet access, low digital readiness among older participants, and inconsistent post-training mentoring emerged as major obstacles affecting program sustainability.
Research implications/limitations – The study was limited to selected rural communities in West Java and involved a relatively small sample size, which may affect the broader generalizability of the findings. Variations in local infrastructure and digital access also influenced participant outcomes.
Originality/value – This study contributes to community empowerment literature by demonstrating how participatory digital literacy programs can strengthen women’s economic resilience in rural areas. The findings provide practical insights for policymakers, universities, and development institutions seeking sustainable technology-based empowerment strategies in Southeast Asia.
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