Community-Based Digital Literacy Training for Rural Women Entrepreneurs in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose – This community engagement project aimed to improve digital literacy and online marketing capabilities among rural women entrepreneurs in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The program addressed limited digital skills that hindered market access and business growth in micro-enterprises.

Design/methods/approach – A participatory training model was implemented involving 60 women entrepreneurs from three villages. Activities included workshops on social media marketing, digital payment systems, content creation, and online customer engagement. Pre- and post-training assessments, focus group discussions, and business monitoring were conducted over four months.

Findings – Participants' average digital literacy scores increased from 52.4 to 81.7 points. Approximately 73.3% of participants successfully established online business profiles, while 61.7% reported increased monthly sales ranging from 10% to 35%. The use of digital payment applications increased from 28.3% to 85.0% among participants.

Research implications/limitations – The study was limited to a specific rural area and a relatively small participant group. The short monitoring period restricted long-term evaluation of business sustainability and economic impact.

Originality/value – This project demonstrates how community-based digital literacy interventions can empower women entrepreneurs and contribute to rural economic development. The findings provide practical guidance for local governments and community organizations seeking to enhance digital inclusion in developing regions.