Women in The Information Society: Opportunities, Barriers and Transformation Dynamics
Chapter from the book:
Koç,
O.
(ed.)
2025.
Empowered by Technology: Women, Knowledge, and Digital Transformation.
Synopsis
Digitalisation is one of the most significant processes transforming social, economic and cultural structures in the 21st century. The information society is reshaping power relations among individuals and communities through access to information and the capacity to use digital tools.
This study, entitled Women in the Information Society: Opportunities, Barriers and Dynamics of Change, comprehensively examines the effects of digitalisation on the social, economic and cultural empowerment of women. The article highlights the opportunities and barriers women encounter in accessing and participating in digital platforms, discussing the dynamics of change in the areas of social visibility, leadership and economic empowerment.
Distance learning, digital skills development programmes, and e-commerce applications offer new opportunities, particularly for women in rural areas and those with limited access. Low female representation in STEM fields and the digital gender gap still limit equal access to the opportunities offered by digitalisation. Furthermore, digital activism and online participation increase women's opportunities to raise social awareness and achieve collective impact.
In conclusion, digitalisation stands out as a transformative tool that supports women's individual and social empowerment; however, without the development of inclusive strategies and policies, the full realisation of this potential remains limited.
