How Digital Literacy Can Help SHG Empowerment

Assam Skill Connect Office

Sat, 05 Jul 2025

Self Help Groups (SHGs) have played a vital role in improving the livelihoods of women and communities in rural Assam. From savings and credit to income generation and entrepreneurship, SHGs have become a powerful tool for social and economic change. But in today’s digital era, digital literacy is emerging as a key factor that can take SHG empowerment to the next level.

At Assam Skill Connect, we believe that digital literacy is not just about using a smartphone — it’s about unlocking new opportunities, accessing information, and participating in the digital economy with confidence.

What Is Digital Literacy?

Digital literacy means having the ability to use digital tools, such as smartphones, computers, the internet, and apps, to find information, communicate, manage data, and carry out daily tasks.

For SHG members, digital literacy includes skills like:

• Using smartphones and basic apps

• Accessing online banking and digital payments

• Using WhatsApp, YouTube, and Google for learning

• Browsing e-commerce platforms

• Attending online training or meetings

• Marketing products on social media

Why Digital Literacy Matters for SHGs

1. Access to Government Schemes and Benefits
Many government schemes are now online. With digital knowledge, SHG members can register for benefits, check eligibility, and apply without relying on intermediaries.

2. Improved Financial Management
SHGs often manage savings, loans, and group funds. Digital tools like mobile banking, UPI, and apps like Google Pay or BHIM make financial transactions faster, safer, and transparent.

3. Easier Record-Keeping and Documentation
Instead of maintaining physical registers, SHG members can now store data digitally, create invoices, manage stock, and track loan records using simple apps or spreadsheets.

4. Wider Market Access for SHG Products
Digital literacy allows SHG women to promote and sell their products on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, WhatsApp Business, Flipkart, and Amazon. They can also learn how to use good visuals, pricing strategies, and customer engagement techniques.

5. Online Learning and Skill Upgradation
With basic digital knowledge, SHG members can access free or low-cost online courses to learn skills like food processing, tailoring, packaging, branding, and even digital marketing — all from their home.

6. Increased Confidence and Independence
When women learn to use smartphones, navigate apps, and manage digital tasks, it builds confidence. They become more independent in decision-making, communication, and leadership within their groups and communities.

7. Participating in the Digital Economy
Digital platforms provide access to financial services, online marketplaces, virtual training programs, and even remote job opportunities. This enables SHGs to participate fully in the growing digital economy.

Real-Life Examples

• In Darrang, SHG members trained in WhatsApp Business now handle customer inquiries and orders on their own.

• A group in Dhemaji learned digital photography and Canva to promote traditional crafts online.

• Women from Lakhimpur created Instagram pages to sell handmade pickles and textiles, receiving orders from across Assam.

How Assam Skill Connect Supports Digital Empowerment

Assam Skill Connect offers:

• Digital literacy programs tailored for SHG members

• Training in local languages like Assamese for better understanding

• Support in setting up digital payment systems

• Step-by-step guides for online product listing and promotion

• Courses on social media marketing and e-commerce basics

Whether you're a new SHG member or a group leader, we help you become digitally ready to grow and compete in today’s economy.

Conclusion

Digital literacy is no longer optional — it is essential for SHG empowerment in the modern world. When women in SHGs become digitally literate, they gain access to tools that can improve their businesses, manage finances efficiently, and connect with larger markets.

With the right digital skills, SHGs can go beyond local boundaries, tell their stories, and create real impact — not just in their own lives, but across entire communities.

Join Assam Skill Connect. Learn digital. Lead with confidence.