Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies offer tremendous scope for putting development efforts of low and medium development countries on a fast track. However, digital divides in societies based on class, region and gender pose considerable challenge to realize the potential benefits of ICTs. The present study focuses on gender gaps in digital literacy and is based on amalgamative results of secondary as well as primary data based on a survey conducted in selectedurban slum communities in New Delhi, the capital city of India. It explores thegender differentiated participation, inclusiveness and acceptance of digital devices as well as skills and processes for their use and training. Our study explores the possible reasons for the under-representation of women in ownership and use of digital technologies. This study sketched a rather disturbing graph of gender gap between ‘digital haves’-males and ‘digital have not’s-females. The study also highlights the needs of digital training for women and setting up appropriate learning channels suited to the needs of women.