Sreesakthi portal – for gender empowerment

Abstract

Gender equality and empowerment of women is accepted universally as an important aspect of development. In India there is a high gender gap in literacy, high dropout rate in girl students, high incidence of crime against women, high negligence in economic freedom, low involvement in decision making and very low recognition for their efforts and contribution in agriculture and allied sectors. The scenario in the state of Kerala is slightly better than those in other states. It is felt that the women community was not having a common platform for gender empowerment activities. The Sreesakthi Portal is such platform developed for Neighborhood Groups (NHGs) women members of Kudumbashree, a Women Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation group for women in Kerala. The portal developed with support for local language is an effective way of discussing issues, creation of study guides, collating reports, along with clearing of doubts, discussion of ideas, and most importantly, help women become computer and technology savvy.