World over, ICT revolution has driven numerous initiatives by using new technologies for poverty alleviation and socioeconomic development. SEWA realized the potential of new information technologies in facilitating capacity development, supporting cooperative efforts and reducing vulnerability by increasing access to information, particularly about entitlements and programs.
In Gujarat, villages are scattered far and wide and a significant amount of resources, time, money and energy were wasted by women in just commuting between villages or communicating with the government and the outside world. ICT would have enabled poor people, particularly women, living in remote areas to access vital information related to their trade, livelihoods, government schemes including Panchayati Raj (local self-government), seeking and sharing expert opinions on disaster management, management of enterprise, marketing of produce and products. ICT represented a powerful strategy for overcoming various notions of a 'digital divide' and making the information available to the powerless.
This potential and the need were even greater in the context of informal sectors in rural areas. Expansion of SEWA activities across many districts and activities was posing a communication challenge within the organization in order to better serve the needs of the community. There was a need to achieve greater efficiencies, effectiveness and flexibility in activities for further and faster growth to keep abreast with the changing environment. The modern world had seen emergence of many newer and efficient forms and applications of technology,which could
facilitate the work of communities and micro enterprises of poor women belonging to the informal sector. Also, it was felt that the key to survival in the emerging global economy and knowledge society was the ability of education systems to produce learners who were innovative, flexible, collaborative, and emphasized problem-solving in their knowledge and understanding. SEWA's ICT initiative sought to achieve this as well.
