INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Purpose of Study: Information and Communication Technology has a good impact on the economic progress of Indonesia. For that business supported by information and communication technology needs to get special attention because of its strategy to prosperity for the nation of Indonesia. The number of women studying technology as a means of business is still relatively low, indicating that women’s interest in technology is still minimum. On the other hand, the ability and expertise of women in using information technology should also be improved. The process of women’s empowerment is the addition of insight and information as well as the enhancement of skills and expertise in various fields, especially in the field of trade. The focus of this research is to see how the process of empowering women information access by using ICT for UMKM development as implemented in Jarpuk Ngudi Lestari Surakarta. The purpose of this research is to know the strategy of Jarpuk Ngudi Lestari Surakarta in the development of UMKM based on information and communication technology.
 Methodology: The method used is descriptive qualitative. Data collection is done by conducting interviews, observation, and completed with documentation. The validity technique used is the triangulation of data sources.
 Results: The results showed that women empowerment in Jarpuk Ngudi Lestari Surakarta not all uses ICT as a means of information access and development of UMKM. Age factor becomes an obstacle in the use of ICT.
 Implications/Applications: The strategies which are used improving access, creating environments, building educational centers, developing ICT-based programs, increasing opportunities and activating women’s participation in e-governance.