Empowering Dalit Women with Computer Education
In their words*
"I want to study because I want to become a teacher for others. I want to help society and to teach my family. I want to promote awareness to assist Dalits." Miss Sangeetha, Age 18.
"I want to study computers because of the use of computers in the private sector. The railway, hospital, banks, electricity board; all use computers. Today in this computer world, there are more job opportunities...It is also good for learning about international cultures. You gain awareness through the computer and this may provide opportunities to go abroad." Miss Kaanagi, Age 23.
"I want to tell the world that as a Dalit I have encountered much difficulty in my life. Some public areas are reserved for Dalits and we are afraid. There is no development for financial opportunities for Dalits. I think the younger generations are OK. They are getting awareness on Dalit people...I would like to study computers to increase my knowledge. I think I will have a better job opportunity. I want to help my mom." Miss N. Rama, Age 17.
"I don't have the capacity to pay to further my studies. My non-Dalit friends can afford to go to higher education schools. I want to be successful and I want to help others. After helping my mother with the sweeping the house, bringing the water and preparing tiffen, I study every night 3-4 hours. I want a better life." Miss Shobanna, Age 14.
"I would like a chance to go abroad. I would like to balance my needs with earning more and helping others. Communication is around the world. There are big opportunities. I can learn about the world through the Internet. English knowledge will increase the ability for me to earn and I can reach this level first..My life as a Dalit is hard sometimes. When I go to the tea shop, they will have one cup for Dalits and another cup for non-Dalits. I feel that this will change. There needs to be courage and awareness. The NGO [GLOW] has identified our problems. We need representatives to take it to the government level. Step by step we will gain recognition and our rights." Miss Adi Lakshmi, Age 20.
* These are the voices of young women, their dreams, their aspirations. They were collected during a visit to the field in which we interviewed the women about their reasons for wanting to participate in the computer program.
