Blog Report on the visit to 'Each One Enable One' Programme at Institute of Home Economics.

The Department of Development Communication, Extension, and Journalism at the Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, organised the 'Each One Enable One' programme, centred on the theme of digital literacy for women empowerment on 26 April 2024.

The 'Each One Enable One' initiative has been a beacon of hope, engaging Home Science students in the practice of imparting functional literacy to women aged 15-35. Over the past two years, the programme has evolved, now focusing on equipping women, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with essential digital literacy skills.

Professor Radhika Bakhshi, Director of the Institute of Home Economics, inaugurated the event setting the tone with her insightful remarks. She emphasised the urgent need for bridging the generation gap by fostering students to teach their parents about digital literacy. Professor Bakhshi underscored the transformative potential of digital literacy, highlighting its role in fostering self-independence and personal development in today’s world.

Chief Guest Dr. B. Shadrach, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), in his special address, emphasised the need for a nationwide effort to promote digital literacy amongst every citizen.

Empowerment, as Dr. Shadrach stated, is not merely about providing opportunities but about instilling autonomy and self-determination in women. He emphasised that women already have triple responsibilities - social, economic, and biological and deserve the autonomy to make informed decisions and pursue their goals independently. Dr. Shadrach advocated for the enabling opportunities and removal of barriers hindering women's autonomy, whether they be technological constraints or societal structures.

Furthermore, Dr. Shadrach highlighted that literacy is not only the ability to read and write but the ability to think about right and wrong, taking informed decisions. He underscored the importance of critical thinking and communication skills aligning with the goals outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Digital literacy, he asserted, is not merely a technical skill but a social practice, enabling individuals to navigate and co-exist in society as a global citizen.

Dr. Shadrach concluded his speech by reiterating the core principle of the 'Each One Enable One' programme—empowering women to harness their digital skills to achieve autonomy and self-actualisation. The journey towards women's empowerment is rooted in providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive in a digital age, enabling them to carve out their paths with confidence and well informed decisions.
Dr. Savita Aggarwal, Professor, Department of Development Communication, Extension and Journalism provided a brief insight into the 'Each One Enable One' initiative, highlighting its evolution from basic functional literacy to empowering women through digital skills. The programme allows students to teach their parents through structured modules, spanning over a year in two semesters. It follows a need assessment, consisting of 40 hours of active teaching, 40 hours of practical sessions and 20 hours of evaluations to ensure comprehensive skill development among participants.
Testimonials from both parents and students served as reminders of the programme's impact. Mothers of the students shared how they now confidently navigate online platforms for daily tasks such as grocery shopping, cab booking, accessing educational resources, and pursuing personal interests on social media.

Later, students showcased their stalls at the event and offered demonstrations on a range of commonly used online services. From ordering food via online applications such as Swiggy, Zomato to booking cab services via Uber and Ola, exploring healthcare applications, and raising awareness about Delhi Metro, the stalls were buzzing with activity and innovation.

The 'Each One Enable One' programme organised by The Department of Development Communication, Extension, and Journalism stands as a brilliant example of how education with innovation and determination can break down barriers and empower individuals to realise their full potential. As we celebrate the successes of this programme, let us recommit ourselves to the noble cause of women's empowerment to ensure that no woman is left behind in the current digital world.