A Study on the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic: Gendered Digital Divide and Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The aim of the study is to understand the gendered digital divide gap that has proliferated during this COVID-19 pandemic. The poorest and most disadvantaged children are particularly vulnerable, as they risk missing out on learning and failing to return to school. Girl children from low socioeconomic status endure the most discrimination from society. Reasons such as dropping out of school after puberty or for family reasons, doing household chores, caring for the elderly and siblings, being subjected to various forms of abuse and harassment, being forced into child marriage, and participating in labour activities are all common, but they have increased during this lockdown. Gender disparities and inequalities obstruct progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): despite measured strategies and solutions, progress toward Goal 5 to "achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls" remains restricted. The researcher conducted a review study by collecting around 25 research articles gender inequalities faced by the girl child during this pandemic in rural India. The researched aimed to study the present socioeconomic situation of the girl children in rural areas, to analyze the existing factors associated with the gendered gap digital divide in rural areas, and focus on bridging the gaps in achieving sustainable developmental goals. Based on the findings of the review, the researcher believes that every child's contribution, regardless of gender or background, is critical, and identified specific gaps remaining. As a result, resolving this issue requires a multi-sectoral approach.