Digital Skilling for Rural Women: Unlocking India’s Untapped Potential

Because real empowerment begins with digital access and applied learning.

In today’s fast-paced digital era, opportunities often begin with a simple click. Whether it's accessing financial services, applying for a job, or running a home-based business—being digitally skilled has become a necessity. And yet, for a vast majority of rural women in India, this world of possibilities remains distant.

Digital skilling for rural women is about bridging that gap. It means empowering them with practical knowledge of computers, internet use, and digital tools—enabling them to participate meaningfully in the new economy.

Where We Were, Where We Are

For years, rural women in India have been systematically left out of digital growth due to limited access, societal norms, and lack of exposure. Tasks as simple as creating an email ID, browsing the internet, or using Excel for daily needs have remained unfamiliar.

While mobile connectivity has grown, digital literacy has not kept pace—especially among women. Many are still unaware of how to search for information, use digital platforms for skill development, or leverage tools for personal and professional growth.

But things are starting to shift—and with the right interventions, the future can be radically different.

The Future We Can Create

Imagine a rural woman who can now:

• Maintain household budgets using spreadsheets

• Explore new tailoring patterns and tutorials online

• Help her child study via digital resources

• Apply for jobs or government schemes independently

That’s the power of basic digital skills. When combined with confidence and access, these skills become the foundation for financial independence, better decision-making, and leadership within families and communities.

How AKB Foundation is Driving Change

At the Atul Krishan Bansal Foundation, we believe that true empowerment comes from knowledge that is both practical and transformational. That’s why we run dedicated programs to bring basic computer education and digital awareness to rural women and girls.

Our training focuses on:

• Fundamental computer operations – using Windows, MS Office, and file management

• Learning Excel – for managing household accounts, business logs, and budgets

• Using search engines and browsers effectively – so women can access relevant educational, health, and skill content

• Hands-on practice with digital tools like email, PDFs, and typing skills

• Basic internet safety and privacy awareness

By doing this, we are not just teaching them how to use computers—we are showing them how to use digital skills to solve real-life problems.

This is especially impactful in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns where women are eager to learn but lack exposure. We train them in a language and pace that makes learning accessible, relevant, and empowering.

Why AKB Foundation Leads the Way

While many programs focus on quantity, we focus on quality, context, and continuity. Here’s why we stand out:

• Tailored curriculum for rural women, not generic tech training

• On-ground instructors and real-time support during and after training

• Focus on practical usage, not just theoretical knowledge

• Community-centric approach, ensuring women apply what they learn in daily life

We don’t aim for just digital literacy. We work toward digital confidence.

A Message from Our Founder, Ashvika Bansal

“Empower a Woman Digitally, Uplift a Village Permanently.”

The digital revolution should belong to everyone—not just the privileged. At AKB Foundation, we are committed to building a more inclusive future, where every rural woman has the tools to learn, grow, and lead in this digital age.

When we teach a rural woman how to use Excel or search for information online, we’re not just teaching her a skill—we’re unlocking her potential. Digital empowerment allows her to dream bigger, decide smarter, and act stronger. That’s the change we believe in. That’s the

change we’re building every day.

— Ashvika Bansal, Founder & CEO, Atul Krishan Bansal Foundation