Training on Skill Development and Computer Education for poor girls and women in remote area.

The project area is isolated and coastal zone.. The geographical area of Pathar Pratima block in the South 24 Parganas district is 484.88 sq kilometer. As per 2011 census report, the population of the block is 331823 of which male and female is 169422 and 162401. Less than 50% of the total geographical area is available for agricultural purposes with very low cropping intensity. There is no irrigation facilities and such rotation of crop is unknown. Agriculture and fishing from rivers are the main occupations of the inhabitants. Lack of access to decision making process, economic independence, education, poor health, equal wage for equal work are the few major issues for the poor girls and women.

The women though the main household workforce but never considered as important contributor in the society. Even after the 70 years of independence women are still dependent either on father or brother or husband or at the old age on son. Married women are being abused by their husband and family members. The prevalence of liquor among men and women are the biggest hurdles. Violence against Poor women and girls has become a prominent topic of discussion in this area. Child marriage is prevailing. Absolute unemployment amongst the women folk indicates about a male dominated society. The poor girls and women have no ability to learn computer education by paying the cash amount. There is no any arrangements for them from Govt. concerned.

Computers are a gift of science to mankind. Even now in our day to day lives, computers have been allotted an integral role to play This can be seen being used not only at the offices or at homes, but in all kinds of sectors and businesses. They are used at airports, restaurants, railway stations, banks, etc. gradually, as computers are penetrating through the modern society. Computers are also used in conducting ticket transactions, records maintenance, insurance, shopping, etc. In modern world everything around us like GPs, ATM machines, Cell phones, petrol pumps, portable play stations and all other modern devices use computer controlling units to conduct their featured operations. Today people can drive computerized cars and work for employers from other countries without even seeing them. Computers are very capable of bringing alone a medical revolution. Computers also help the media and the entertainment industry.

The project offers new opportunities for women and young girls to become computer literate. So, the strategy is to establish a training centre for one year with 20 nos. of girls and women. After training the trainees will be self- employed. Knowing how to properly use a computer and navigate the digital terrain will help the women and girls to keep life organized and streamlined. The training will improve the functional ability of poor girls and women and also motivate the younger generation regarding digital India. It will improve confidence in technology use and emancipate their status from “hewers of wood and drawers of water” to more honorable position in the society.

Women and girls are often disenfranchised in the communities and may feel they have little voice. Since computers are an important aspect of youth culture, they may offer solutions to increasing women and girls participation in communities. Despite some barriers, most women and girls perceived that using computers and the internet reduced their anxiety, concerning communication with adults, raised their perception of their social status, increased participation within community, increased efficiency and improved their access to resources. Overall, youths perceived computers and the internet to be empowering tools and they should be encouraged to use such technology to support them in community initiative.

The propose project is socially acceptable, economically viable and environmentally sustainable. The trained women and girls after completion of their course will get ample opportunities to consume themselves in the established departments such as IT Companies, Consultancy companies, Instructional designer, Govt. offices, Private companies, Health related institutions, business organizations, colleges and Universities, Websites, Computer trainer, etc. or can establish at their own arrangements. It will be recognized as an income generation project in the society as well as women empowerment will come in this way. Participation of women in decision making will be ensured and rights of survival will be increased among them. Annual income will be increased and standard of living of the participants will be developed.