Google and Tata Trusts Expand ‘Internet Saathi’ Program to Four More States

Google India and Tata Trusts have expanded their program ‘Internet Saathi’ in four more states namely – West Bengal, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Tripura. The program launched in July, 2015, trains women in rural India about the benefits of Internet.  The joint initiative aims to overcome the digital gender disparity in rural India and empower rural women and communities to facilitate digitally literacy by making them aware of the benefits of internet and the services they can use for their various needs. Only 1 in 10 Internet users in rural India is a woman.

The Saathis impart training to the rural community in their own and neighbouring villages. Google provides the devices and the training material to the Saathis.

The final roll out of the program and the training of the master trainers, which comprises of Self Help Groups and Women’s federations is overseen and facilitated by Tata Trusts on ground. In order to drive broader access and continuity in usage after the training, Internet enabled devices like tablets and smart phones are also placed within the school premises, community centres for optimum exposure and learning amongst the community.

Ganesh Neelam, Head – Innovation at Tata Trusts said, “Of India’s 350 million internet users, nearly 100 million dwell in the rural parts of the country. Of these, only 10 million are women. Internet Saathi has trained 100,000 women in less than a year.

The program is not only aiding women access information and services but is also empowering them socially and economically enabling them to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.”

The influence of the program in villages has been profound with a positive impact on the lives of the women and the community at large. With easy access to information from different sectors like agriculture, health, education, social security schemes etc, women have started exploring various ways to generate new revenue such as embroidery, arts and crafts. As well as other revenue generating opportunities through e-commerce portals; demonstrating the impact of the program in a short span.

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