Knowledge Attitude and Practice toward Union Digital Center (UDC): Strategies and Recommendations Regarding Building Self-efficacy for Rural Females of Bangladesh

Abstract

Union Digital Center (UDC) is an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) based one-stop service center at the doorsteps of the population that provides quicker and smoother services to citizens. Females all over the globe use ICT to a lesser extent than men, and in patriarchal Bangladesh, it is even lower. The study tries to fill the knowledge gaps by considering rural females’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding UDC. The aim is to reveal how effectively KAP has been shaped to attain self-efficacy for rural females. A mixed-method research approach was applied utilizing demographic survey through a semi-structured questionnaire followed by ten focus group discussions (FGDs) comprising eighty-seven participants and three Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Primary data has been collected using non-probability purposive sampling. Through thematic analysis, the study identified fields requiring special attention toward strengthening e-service, health, finance, and gender-based violence and found two broad themes of interventions, including service quality assurance and capacity enhancement to improve participants experience of using UDC. As the study revealed eighty-seven rural females’ experience, future studies can consider this as a pilot study and investigate the pattern of livelihood upgradation of indigenous community by adopting government’s latest social service delivery mechanism. HIGHLIGHTS Government established Union Digital Center (UDC) to simplify public service delivery processes and make them citizen friendly. ICT based service delivery usages by females is low comparing to male counterparts. Even though UDC charged less (75%) and thus saved time (72.5%) and made life easier (77.5%) for rural females, almost two-thirds of participants require to visit sub-urban cities to complete their ICT related activities. Family members (73.75%) receive services on behalf of the female participants and among those mostly spouse (63%) avail those services. Service Quality Assurance and Capacity Enhancement are two broad strategies recommended by the specialists and participants to improve female participation in UDC service delivery system.