Author: Aashini Goyal | 14-Mar-2024
As someone working in the development sector, my work often takes me to various parts of the country, particularly in Rajasthan. However, my recent field trip was a departure from the usual as I found myself in the quaint town of Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, renowned as the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. It's also known for ranking among the most socio-economically disadvantaged and having a higher gender gap.
My primary focus was on understanding how low-income women engage with and trust technology through a participatory research approach. I delved into deeper aspects beyond mere financial constraints, exploring connectivity issues and the support needed to navigate digital devices. Despite the newness of the location and the community, I could not help but draw parallels between my past experiences and the issues faced here.
It was disheartening to discover that in a society where technology is as widely present/used as household utensils, many women are still restricted from using digital devices due to patriarchal norms. They shared stories of husbands dictating their phone usage and questioning their ability to operate devices. A lady shared that she is extremely careful of the content she sees, people she calls and number of hours she spends on a phone as post returning from work her husband checks the history and if he does not approve of something he would fight. While a male district official mentioned girl's usage should be controlled due to safety and payment frauds issues. This deep-rooted fear of challenging societal norms constructed by men is a long process, and women will have to climb multiple ladders to overcome them. As researchers, it is crucial to approach these interactions with sensitivity and mindfulness, refraining from imposing our interpretations or judgments onto their realities. These experiences strengthened my belief that patriarchy is present in every layer of society, transcending factors like education or social status.
Before engaging with the community, we conducted mock exercises to anticipate responses and prepare follow-up questions. However, during this process, I noticed a common assumption among us outsiders: the belief that rural women are only familiar with basic phone functions like calling and social media, often taught by male family members. These preconceptions of stereotypes led to a reluctance in our imagined responses when we went to the field and heard diverse responses. Some other preconceived notions included the assumption that rural women might lack interest in or understanding of advanced technology features, that they would be less capable of adapting to new technologies, or that they would prioritize traditional roles over digital engagement. In the context of patriarchal norms affecting women's access to and use of technology, encountering responses that contradicted these assumptions was surprising and added depth to our findings. Yet, it also forced us to confront our own biases and question our roles as researchers. Were we truly listening, or were we merely seeking confirmation of our preconceived notions?"
Reflecting on this, I realized that many of us approach research with rigid expectations, limiting our ability to uncover new insights. This rigidity can hinder the pursuit of deeper understanding and the discovery of diverse perspectives. A personal anecdote from my earlier visits to Rajasthan can explain this tendency. During a previous field visit in Rajasthan, I encountered a female Physical Training Instructor (PTI) in a rural setting. Observing her confidently riding a bike reminded me of a similar figure from my school days, evoking admiration and inspiration. However, upon reflection, I realized that I had never felt the same admiration for my own teacher. This realization prompted me to question how my own experiences and biases as an outsider may have influenced my perceptions.
These experiences forced me to confront the notion that our reality is somehow superior to that of the communities we study. We spoke to a Govt. official who cautioned against labeling elderly people struggling with phone usage as facing ‘barriers’. He argued that it's a matter of perspective and necessity. People invest time and effort into mastering complex tasks when the need arises. This perspective challenged my own assumptions about what constitutes a barrier.
However, amidst the quietness and warmth of Shravasti, the excitement of Saher Banu ji (field partner) showing us their sugarcane field, engaging in conversations and taking glimpse into lives beyond my own serve as grounding reminders and gratitude for the exposure. As a researcher in the social sector, I have always believed that every person contributes to my learning journey. Stepping into the field and engaging in discussions solely focused on the problems at hand, reveals the intricate layers and complexities of human issues within the spectrum of social sector challenges.
Lastly, my field trip to Shravasti went beyond mere data collection, it helped me reflect on the importance of approaching communities with humility and an open mind, understanding that genuine understanding arises from listening without preconceptions or judgment. This experience evoked a mix of emotions such as humility, gratitude, and being more informed.
Ms. Meghna Sandhir, along with our team members, has been engaged in the Drivers, Limiters, and Barriers to Women's Trust in Digital Platforms Project since last year. She is blogging about her firsthand experiences from visiting our project sites in India.
Ms. Meghna Sandhir, our programme officer, along with colleagues from Martha Farrell Foundation and Pro Sport Development, participated in the Trainers of Training (ToT) program conducted at Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra - SSK Lucknow. The training took place from December 4th to December 10th, 2023.
Our Program Officer, Ms. Shruti Priya, attended the Youth Solidarity and Leadership Training held in Bangkok, Thailand organised by the Asia Democratic Network in partnership with Forum Asia. The training was followed by a two-day Asia Democracy Assembly "Fostering Democracy Movements: Building Strategic Partnerships and Sustainable Cooperation in Asia".
