Global technology company Google launched Internet Saathi- a program that seeks to encourage rural women in India to develop and pass on digital literacy skills in their communities - in collaboration with Tata Trusts. The program has helped more than 30 million women learn about the Internet in over 290,000 villages across 20 states in India, with over 20,000 villages added in the past year. This case study explores the opportunity to expand women’s access to information and addresses some of the social norms that exacerbate digital divides in India.
Impact / Outcome There are currently more than 81,500 Internet Saathis who have helped more than 30 million women learn about the internet in over 290,000 villages across 20 states in India. Third-party impact studies (by marketing research agencies Kantar TNS and IPSOS) reveal the following:
About 70 percent of Saathis think they are seen as a source of information in their village; people are coming to them consistently for answers on how (a) to help children with schoolwork, (b) to learn new cooking recipes, (c) to search for jobs, and (d) to run a business. Eight in 10 Saathis and their beneficiaries believe people in their village respect them more. Nine in 10 women beneficiaries believe in a woman’s right to express herself and earn a living for her family. Seven in 10 women who attended the trainings with the Saathis have seen an improvement in their children’s education.
More important, the voices of Internet Saathis themselves have become a huge reflection of the program’s influence.
Key Metrics Provides women in rural communities with training on digital literacy