The role of technology in working women's empowerment : a case study of female Isaan workers in Bangkok

Abstract

The story of female Isaan workers in Bangkok is likely well known. Many of these women come from backgrounds of poverty and limited education, and migrate to Bangkok in search of better economic and potentially better social opportunities. The role that ICT plays in empowering these women may not be as well known. ICT has the ability to help these women acquire new skills and access knowledge previously unavailable to them. ICT further allows them to build and maintain social networks and to improve their self-confidence and outlook for the future. Using the framework of Sen’s Capabilities Approach, this study examines the expansion of capabilities and the achievement of new functionings for these women in a variety of areas, as seen through the personal narratives of these women. In spite of the many benefits of ICT4D, these women still face many obstacles in their development, particularly in the areas of formal education and with regards to family and work obligations. This paper examines these shortcomings, and provides recommendations for addressing them. Recommendations include the creation of new financial incentives to motivate these women to continue their education (including financial incentives for the employers of these women to provide them the time to needed to study) as well as recognized certifications (which are currently used in the technology field) that could be used in lieu of experience by these women when seeking new employment.