Empowering Rural Women Through Technology-Enhanced Education and Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Abstract

Empowering rural women through technology-enhanced education integrated with indigenous knowledge systems represents a transformative approach to sustainable development. This article explores how digital technologies can bridge educational gaps while preserving and valorizing traditional wisdom held by rural women communities. The integration of modern educational technologies with indigenous knowledge creates culturally relevant learning experiences that respect local contexts while providing access to global opportunities. Key challenges include limited infrastructure, digital literacy gaps, and potential conflicts between traditional and modern knowledge systems. However, successful initiatives demonstrate that technology-enhanced education can strengthen women's economic participation, decision-making capacity, and community leadership while maintaining cultural identity. This article examines the theoretical frameworks, practical implementations, and future directions for empowering rural women through this dual approach, emphasizing the importance of participatory design and community ownership in educational interventions.