Empowerment through Technology

Empowering Farmers Through Digital Innovation and Regenerative Agriculture: Solidaridad’s Transformative Impact in India!! During a recent visit to Solidaridad Network’s Smart Agri Hub in Bhopal, I witnessed firsthand the remarkable strides being made to revolutionize agriculture across 12 Indian states. By bridging the digital divide, Solidaridad is empowering over a million farmers with contextual, personalized advisories that address their unique challenges. From real-time hyper-local weather forecasts and pest infestation alerts to tailored agronomic advice, this initiative is equipping farmers with tools to make informed decisions, boost productivity, and mitigate risks in an unpredictable climate. The Smart Agri Hub exemplifies innovation in action. By leveraging mobile platforms and IoT-enabled solutions, farmers receive timely insights—like adjusting irrigation before a drought or treating crops ahead of pest outbreaks—transforming reactive practices into proactive strategies. This digital ecosystem not only safeguards livelihoods but also fosters resilience, enabling smallholders to thrive amid climate volatility. The visit also included the Nico Roozen International Center of Excellence for Regenerative Agriculture, a hub pioneering sustainable farming practices. Here, research and on-ground training converge to promote soil health, biodiversity, and low-carbon techniques, ensuring agriculture remains viable for future generations. None of this would be possible without the visionary leadership of Dr.Suresh Motwani and his dedicated team, whose passion for farmer welfare and environmental stewardship is palpable. Their holistic approach—merging technology, education, and ecology—is setting a global benchmark for inclusive, regenerative agriculture. As India’s farmers face mounting challenges, Solidaridad’s work offers a blueprint for empowerment through innovation. It’s inspiring to see how digital tools and sustainable practices can uplift communities, turning vulnerability into vitality. The future of farming is bright—and it’s being cultivated in Bhopal today.

Digital empowerment goes beyond just access to technology. It’s about creating equity in critical sectors like education, healthcare, finance, and employment, especially for marginalized communities, rural populations, and persons with disabilities (PwDs). To address these needs, tailored digital solutions are crucial, and public-private partnerships (PPP) will play a key role in shaping this transformation. 1️⃣ 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 & 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 Programs focused on digital literacy are the bedrock of empowering rural populations. The PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan), initiated by the Indian government, aims to enhance digital literacy in rural areas. As of 2024, over 5 crore people have been trained, highlighting the immense demand for digital literacy and skilling. Similiary, the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) has been at the forefront, with initiatives like eMitra centers in Rajasthan, where digitizing government services has not only simplified access but also saved community members time and travel costs. In Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, DEF’s program to train rural women in e-commerce skills has increased financial independence and profitability, enabling them to access broader markets. 2️⃣ 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 A critical component of digital empowerment is ensuring that technology serves local needs and is not merely consumer-driven. India’s vast rural terrain demands tailored solutions. Low-bandwidth apps and voice-enabled technology are making access to services more inclusive, especially in remote areas. Private companies like Jio have partnered with the government to extend internet connectivity, but more work is needed to bridge this connectivity gap. 3️⃣ 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 & 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Digital empowerment is also about giving marginalized communities the autonomy to make informed decisions. Persons with disabilities (PwDs) in cities like Jaipur are using voice-enabled apps to access telehealth services and government welfare schemes, thereby gaining greater control over their healthcare and livelihood. Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility initiative has also been instrumental in creating digital tools that cater to PwDs, enabling them to interact more seamlessly with technology. Empowering these communities to have decision-making rights and consent in digital platforms ensures that technology is not just an instrument of access but also an enabler of autonomy and inclusion. 4️⃣ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 & 𝐆𝐚𝐩𝐬 Despite the progress, there are significant challenges such as lack of Modern infrastructure, affordable devices, and quality internet access in rural areas persist. The Indian government’s Digital India initiative aims to address these gaps by establishing more research labs and digital villages.

Five years ago, digital inclusion was about getting people online. Now? It’s about ensuring everyone can participate, engage, and succeed. That’s why we’re not just talking about digital inclusion anymore, we’re talking about digital participation. Digital participation is the new baseline. Being online is not enough, you need to be able to thrive online - you need the skills, confidence, and safety to use it to your advantage. The reality is: 🟢 1.6 million people are still offline, disconnected from opportunities. 🟢 12.8 million people struggle with low or very low digital skills – a significant challenge. Those with the lowest digital capabilities are: 🟢 Far less likely to manage finances online (6.7% vs. 100%). 🟢 Twice as likely to fall victim to scams (8.5% vs. 4.6%). Contrast this with the 14.2 million UK adults with the highest digital capabilities. They’re saving time, money, and engaging with the digital world seamlessly. That’s what digital participation unlocks. So how do we make this shift from inclusion to participation? Firstly you have to recognise that participation isn’t a destination, it’s a spectrum, and we have to meet people where they are. That means focusing on 4 key areas: 🟢 Access: Affordable channels, devices, and connectivity that fit people’s lives. 🟢 Confidence: Relevance, a clear call to action, and a growth mindset to empower people. 🟢 Skills: Awareness and application: giving people the tools to use the digital world effectively and safely. And perhaps most importantly. 🟢 Inclusive digital services: Accessible, available and usable services, that enable anyone can engage. Happily we’re seeing people embrace this vision with initiatives like digital driver’s licences and the relaunch of the GDS government services this week. These aren’t just technology upgrades, they’re tools for empowering people. I’d love to hear your thoughts: ➡️ Read the latest consumer digital index: https://lnkd.in/e6Kqut83 💬 Join the conversation by using & following these hashtags #ConsumerDigitalIndex #EssentialDigitalSkills 📧 Email: DigitalSkillsInclusion@lloydsbanking.com

Bridging the gap: Empowering women to embrace AI Did you know that women are on average using AI tools 20% less than men, even when working in the same roles? Why does this matter? New technologies are transforming industries, redefining productivity, and shaping the future of work. Yet, if women aren't actively engaging with these advancements, they risk being left out in this revolution. Research shows that women's lower adoption stems from a lack of confidence and a reluctance to take shortcuts - sometimes called the 'Good Girl Syndrome'. Many women feel like using digital assistance is cheating while men see it as a productivity booster. This is what we discussed in one of Meta’s IWD events recently. My key takeaways: 💡 AI is not a shortcut - it can be your career accelerator. Women often feel they need to 'do it all' without assistance, but technology can amplify skills, boost efficiency, and drive impact. 👩💻 Representation matters. More women must be seen, heard and leading in this space. The gender gap isn't just about usage; it's about who is building the future of technology. 📚 Education and upskilling are non-negotiable. Technology is evolving rapidly, and access to training, mentorship and real-world applications is critical. 📢 We must bring AI conversations into spaces where women are already engaged. Research suggests that men are more likely to consume tech content via forums and podcasts, while these discussions are often absent in media consumed by women. The reality is simple: Adoption isn't just about productivity - it's about equity. We need to normalise AI use amongst women, ensuring they are equipped, empowered, and leading in this era of technological transformation. #AI #WomenInTech #InternationalWomensDay #FutureOfWork

The "Policy Brief on Assistive Technology (AT) and Employment" by Melissa Miller and published by the International Labour Organization and ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, highlights the critical role of assistive technology in creating inclusive employment opportunities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The brief underscores how AT enables individuals with disabilities to overcome workplace barriers, boosting productivity and fostering social inclusion. It also sheds light on persistent challenges, such as affordability and limited infrastructure, that hinder widespread AT access. Key Takeaways: Enabling Employment through AT: Assistive technology is crucial for empowering persons with disabilities and other AT users to access, perform, and thrive in employment by providing tools for job tasks, communication, and workplace navigation. Its widespread adoption can significantly reduce poverty and enhance social inclusion globally. Systemic Barriers to Access: Despite policies, significant hurdles remain in AT access, particularly in LMICs, due to high costs, low awareness, inadequate financing mechanisms, and supply chain issues. This creates a stark disparity, with only a small percentage of those in need in LMICs currently able to access AT. Future Implications for the Global South: The brief emphasizes the need for context-specific solutions and robust AT ecosystems, especially for the informal sector prevalent in the Global South. Investing in AT in these regions promises not only individual economic empowerment but also broader societal benefits and inclusive economic growth.

Technology can be a great leveler, as tech tools empower David to fight Goliath!   At Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST), we've seen firsthand how grassroots entrepreneurs use digital tools to manage inventory, access credit, connect with mentors, and even reach new markets.   Five years ago, many of these possibilities felt distant. But today, digital readiness and adoption among MSMEs is steadily rising.   As per the Crisil report, nearly 47% of India's microenterprises and 53% of SMEs use digital sales platforms. Another survey by the Endurance International Group suggests that 50% of micro and small enterprises have adopted technologies such as WhatsApp and other video conferencing tools for daily business operations. Digitization, including social media marketing and social commerce, boosts sales, customer relationships, and profitability. MSMEs have also improved operational efficiency by digitizing sales, cash flow, inventory, and invoicing processes.   This shift has changed how grassroots enterprises operate, and how technology has enabled them to run smarter and more connected businesses.   #DigitalInclusion #GrassrootsInnovation #TechForGood #EntrepreneurshipForAll   

Equipping young women with digital skills is not just a development goal—it’s a foundation for jobs, resilience, agency, and inclusive growth. In Northern Nigeria, the Gina Mata, Gina Al-Umma program, meaning “Building Women, Empowering Communities,” has trained close to 1,300 young women to build skills and access opportunities in the digital economy. With support from the World Bank's Digital Development Partnership, participants are gaining practical skills in digital marketing, online safety, financial literacy, and remote freelancing, creating new pathways to economic opportunity in fragile contexts. This is the kind of impact we aim for: when access to technology translates into access to dignity, independence, and a stronger voice in shaping one’s future. Watch video: https://lnkd.in/g9j9kdwY Read the story: https://lnkd.in/gCARXTvg