The digital space has transformed dramatically over the last two decades, becoming integral to everyday life—especially post-pandemic. From online banking and grocery shopping to e-commerce and digital payments, technology has reshaped how we live and work.  Projections from MeitY & ICRIER suggest this sector will grow nearly twice as fast as the overall economy, potentially  contributing nearly one-fifth of national income by 2030. Recognising this potential, the Government of India has also made the digital economy a national priority. The Digital India programme, launched in 2015, has played a catalytic role in building digital infrastructure, expanding service delivery, and empowering citizens. Together, these efforts are reshaping India into a digitally enabled, knowledge-driven economy.

 

But this progress tells only one side of the story—that of digitally connected, device-owning households. For millions of women, particularly in rural and marginalised communities, the digital economy remains out of reach due to barriers like limited access to devices, affordability, digital illiteracy, and restrictive social norms. These disparities are further compounded by a lack of granular, intersectional data that could help identify and address these gaps.