Introduction:
On July 25, a one-day training session on “Digital Equality Partners” was successfully conducted at the Swabhiman Samiti Office, Uska Bazar, Siddharthnagar. The event was organized jointly by Swabhiman Samiti and Sahyog Lucknow. The training focused on the issues of digital inequality faced by women and girls compared to men, discussing the challenges and potential solutions.

Objective:
The primary objective of the training was to:

  • Raise awareness about the digital divide between men and women, especially the disparities in access to mobile phones and digital resources.
  • Highlight the challenges faced by women and girls in accessing opportunities for education and employment due to limited access to technology.
  • Encourage responsible use of digital platforms, particularly among men, to reduce online violence and support digital equality.

Key Discussion Points:
During the training, key topics related to digital inequality were discussed:

  • It was revealed that 33% fewer women have access to mobile phones compared to men, which limits their access to education, employment opportunities, and resources.
  • Girls face additional barriers in terms of access to mobile phones and opportunities, which affects their ability to pursue education and participate in the digital world. This digital inequality results in fewer opportunities for girls to succeed academically or find employment, further marginalizing them.
  • The impact on women and girls due to this inequality was highlighted, emphasizing how digital exclusion can limit their potential and contribute to social inequalities.

The session also focused on the importance of men and boys stepping up to address digital inequality, particularly in combating online violence and ensuring responsible use of digital platforms.

Role of Men and Boys:

  • The need for boys and men to actively participate in reducing online violence against girls and ensuring a safer digital environment was strongly emphasized.
  • Responsible digital usage was promoted as a key aspect of creating a positive and inclusive digital space for everyone.
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Participants and Speakers:
The training session featured insights from key speakers:

  • Mr. Pravesh Verma and Mr. Manish Tekchandani from Sahyog Lucknow shared their expertise on digital equality and safe online practices.
  • Mrs. Mamta Verma, President of Swabhiman Samiti, and Mr. Vinod Prajapati, Secretary of Swabhiman Samiti, also contributed to the discussions, emphasizing the importance of digital equality for women and girls.

In total, 32 participants attended the session, actively engaging in discussions and committing to becoming responsible digital users.

Conclusion:
The training session was a step forward in raising awareness about digital inequality and its effects on women and girls. It highlighted the importance of equal access to digital resources and opportunities, and the role of men and boys in creating a safer and more inclusive online environment. The participants left the session with a renewed commitment to promoting digital equality and combating online violence.

Acknowledgments:
Swabhiman Samiti thanks Sahyog Lucknow for their collaboration in organizing this event. Special thanks to the speakers, Mr. Pravesh Verma, Mr. Manish Tekchandani, Mrs. Mamta Verma, and Mr. Vinod Prajapati, for their valuable contributions to the training.