




































Bangladesh Journal of Multidisciplinary Scientific Research 

 Vol. 3, No. 2; 2021 

ISSN 2687-850X   E-ISSN 2687-8518  

Published by CRIBFB, USA 

 

1 

ANALYZING THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN E-GOVERNANCE 

ERA OF BANGLADESH: CHALLENGES AND POTENTIALS 
 

 
Tasnuva Habib Zisan  

Assistant Professor 

Department of Public Administration 

University of Barishal, Bangladesh 

E-mail: th_zisan@yahoo.com 

 

 

ABSTRACT 

This study examines the present status of women in the context of Electronic governance initiatives in 

Bangladesh. As a developing country, Bangladesh is stepping toward achieving E-governance where 

there is always a debate of the digital divide. Hence, this study tries to explore the challenges faced by 

women for access to and control over resources specifically the Information and Communication 

Technology tools or devices. It also aims to unveil the potentials of women's access and usage of such 

resources. This study employs survey data collected from study areas. Both urban and rural areas are 

chosen to get an overall scenario of women's status. This study is conducted in an inductive approach 

and findings are analyzed in a qualitative approach. The result shows that the status of women in 

access and usage of ICT varies in urban and rural areas due to some common constraints. The major 

findings of the study suggest that Information and Communication Technology has some potential for 

women empowerment which is explained as a case study. In this era of E-governance, most women are 

still facing gendered challenges such as lack of control over resources, awareness, education, and 

cybersecurity. 

 

Keywords:  Digital, E-Governance, Information and Communication Technology, Tools, Bangladesh, 

Woman. 

 

JEL Classification Codes: H41, J70, O33, O38. 

 

INTRODUCTION 
The recently emerged concept of E-Governance is now one of the basic trends of the modern world. 

Bangladesh with some initiatives taken already as well as other developing countries is rapidly 

stepping towards achieving E-governance. Electronic Governance popularly known as E-governance 

means the application of information and communication technology (ICT) for delivering government 

services, exchange of information, communication and transactions, integration of various stand-

alone systems and services between government-to-customer(G2C), government-to-business(G2B), 

government-to-government(G2G) as well as back-office processes and interactions within the entire 

government framework (Ndou, 2004; Taifur, 2006). E-governance is a whole process where the 

government cannot progress without the customer's involvement. Hence, existing challenges 

must be addressed for special women. 

In recent years, to promote E-Governance, Government has taken several initiatives. The 

development of ICTs and Digitalization is one of the initiatives. Information and Communication 

technology refers to the application of computing technology to process information particularly the 

use of electronic and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, and retrieve information 

from anywhere at any time. From the available literature, it is obvious that ICT has huge potentials 

for all people. Yet some literature shows that constraints like the digital divide and gendered usage of 



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ICT tools are also growing in this era. In this study,  the status of women in ICT usage is a core 

concern. Analyzing women’s access to and control over ICT tools leads to the overall status of women 

at all levels of society. Access to and use of ICT, in general, is linked to social and economic factors. 

Development in such factors can have an overall positive impact on women's work and livelihood.  

Such as, women have successfully used ICTs for their interests by forming peer networks through 

employment-interest groups such as the Self-Employed Women Association (SEWA) in India, the 

umbrella of micro-credit activities like the Grameen Village Phone Program in Bangladesh. 

Therefore, women's empowerment can be enhanced if the focus is given on the gaps and addressed 

sensitively. For this, it is necessary to find out constraints. To identify the constraints and potentials 

for access, usage, and control of ICT by women and the impact of different infrastructure in both 

urban and rural areas of Bangladesh, three different local level areas (Manda, Dhaka, Barisal Sadar, 

Barisal,  and Char Sholakia, Kishoregonj) have been taken as study areas. 

 

Research Objectives  
The main objective of this study is to find out the levels of women’s usage of ICT and the factors 

that influence women’s access in the era of E-governance in Bangladesh. This study tries to find 

out the constraints of woman’s access to ICT in both rural and urban areas and explore the potentials. 

 

Research Questions 
 What are the determinant factors behind the digital divide?  

 What are the constraints faced by women? 

 

LITERATURE REVIEW AND GAP ANALYSIS 
The major objective of the study was to identify the potentials of supporting women in ICT. It is 

identified that E-governance has huge potentiality if it is utilized productively. In the five-stage 

model of e-governance, there are five stages of e-government development in a country-a) Web- 

presence, b) Interaction, c) Transaction, d) Transformation, e) E-democracy. In light of this model, 

this study shows that if we want to achieve e-democracy in a true sense, women must be supported 

for better involvement in ICT. 

A study recommends that the availability of technology plays a key role in social inclusion. 

Positive experiences from other countries and within the country can be explored in the process of E-

governance. On the other hand, it says that we need to be alert to the reality that ICTs can reinforce 

gender differences or can help to overcome them (Tandon et al.,  2012). 

In the available literature, it is found that e-governance may accelerate women's 

empowerment, but there is no specific study found on the productive usage of ICT tools so that 

women’s access and control over resources  can be ensured. In recent years, the availability of ICT 

tools has  been increased rapidly but this availability has only brought a  quantitative change in 

scenario, lack of access and control over these tools are still constraints for supporting women 

in productive usage. 

 

METHODOLOGY 
This study is conducted with an inductive approach. The study is based on primary data. For data 

collection unified questionnaire was prepared and a structured observation method was also used 

for depth investigation of the attitudes of the respondents. A purposive sampling method was used to 

choose the respondents as women from different categories were to be included. For analyzing 

collected data qualitative approach is used. 

 

The rationales behind selecting the study areas are-  

 Bangladesh has several geographical divisions which have specific differences. Manda, 

Char sholakia,  and Barisal Sadar are in different geographical locations respectively at the 



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capital city, Middle part of the country, and southern part of Bengal. Hence, these represent 

the real scenario all over the country. The study areas represent the urban-rural and local 

levels  of Bangladesh. The availability of ICT tools and other indicators are different in 

these areas. Hence, it is rational to choose these areas to identify the level of supporting 

women in ICTs. 

 The socio-cultural environment and administrative structure are also different. For this 

research one union (Manda), one Upazila (Barisal Sadar), and one village (Char Sholakia) 

have been chosen, so that impact of infrastructural variations can be identified. The data were 

collected between 2016 to 2018 from the given study areas. 

 The study areas are different from the percentage of female, high educational and awareness 

problems. As the objectives of the study are to find out the ways to encourage women in 

using ICTs both in rural and urban areas, variations of areas will present area-specific 

constraints for women’s access to ICT. All the respondents are women.  

 

RESEARCH FINDINGS 
The impact of women’s access to ICT and constraints faced is analyzed below with some indicators. 

These are ICT policy, Socioeconomic and cultural factors, Digital literacy, Availability of ICT 

tools, Formal education, Women entrepreneurs related to ICTs & Digital security. 

 

ICT Policy 
In recent years, some initiatives like the ICT act and policy measures have been taken but these are not 

concerned about the constraints faced. Without a strong supportive policy framework, the digital divide 

cannot be addressed. Women's access to ICT remains an after-thought. Bangladesh’s National 

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy has outlined some measures for the 

introduction of ICT education in public and private universities, teachers’ training in ICTs, 

deployment of virtual ICT teachers, and web-based course work. There is no mention of specific 

measures to address the gendered barriers. Some of the following policy initiatives are indicated 

through the respondent's opinion. In a study, it is identified that public spaces are highly 

uncomfortable to be used by rural women. This is because cultural and social restrictions act as a 

glass ceiling on women. Most of the women avoid such public spaces. Union Digital center is the most 

effective initiative in rural areas.  

 

The following table shows the percentage of access to such ICT initiatives: 

 

Table 1. Women access to ICT 

 

Access to ICT Barisal Sadar South Manda Char Sholakia Total 

No. % No. % No. % No. %(Average) 

 Aware of and use 

cyber   kiosk   and UDC 

60 60 35 70 28 56 123 62 

Not aware about 

recent policy initiatives 

25 25 06 12 14 28 45 21.66 

Don’t have any 

interest 

15 15 09 18 08 16 32 16.34 

Total 100 100 50 100 50 10

0 

200 100 

Source: Data collected from study areas and prepared by the author 

             



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Among 100 respondents of Barisal Sadar, 60% of women are aware of recent policy 

initiatives, while 25% of women are not familiar w i t h  the cyber kiosk and Union Digital center. 

Most of the respondents think that policy initiatives like- cyber kiosks at the post office; Union Digital 

center, etc. are supportive to women. This scenario presents that initiatives encourage women’s 

access to ICT. At South Manda, 70% of respondents are aware of Cyber kiosks in post offices and 

UDCs. But 12% of women do not know about and use these privileges. Respondents think that if 

women are aware of these initiatives, they will avail themselves of those. At Char Sholakia, 56% 

of  respondents know ICT policy. On the other hand, 28% of women do not know about the 

initiatives. The overall scenario is that 62% of respondents are aware of the necessity of gender 

supportive policy, 21.66% are not aware of these services and 16.34% have no interest in such 

privileges. Many women are aware of the initiative, but they don’t like to go there. Male dominance 

in such public places resists women. 

 

Socio-Economic and Cultural Factors 
A male group of the society can avail the web access facility from commercial centers or 

outside the home, but the local women community of Bangladesh has limited access due to some 

social and cultural environment. Unfortunately, due to family obligations and service, they can’t 

spare sufficient time for using the net (Akbar, 2018). On the other hand, the economic condition of 

the people is one of the vital issues for computer use and internet connectivity. Generally, on average 

wealthy and educated as well as young, urban,  and male have internet access, which appears that 

economic solvency and education are the major factors  during internet diffusion. Most of which 

are not favorable in Bangladesh (Akbar, 2018).  

The following table shows mentioned social, cultural, and economic factors by the 

respondents: 

 

Table 2. Social factors of respondents 

 

Access to ICTs Baisal Sadar South Manda Char Sholakia Total 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Time and cost 20 20 6 12 7 14 33 15.34 

Family responsibility 46 46 16 32 32 64 94 47.34 

Awareness 12 12 5 10 4 8 21 10 

Public Space 6 6 11 22 3 6 20 11.33 

Complexity 6 6 8 16 2 4 16 8.66 

Environment 10 10 4 8 2 4 16 7.33 

Total 100 100 50 100 50 100 200 100 

Source: Data collected from respondents in study areas

 

At Barisal Sadar,  46% claim family responsibility is the major socio-economic and 

cultural factor affecting access to ICT. At South Manda 32% of women and at Char Sholakia, 64% 

of women think family responsibility is the most influential factor. Among 200 respondents 15.34% 

opines that ICT tools are time and cost consuming, 10% says that they are not familiar with the usage 

of ICTs, 11.33% avoid public spaces, 8.66% assumes ICT tools as complicated, and 7.33% of 

women think that there is no proper environment of access and usage. Both in urban and rural areas 

social and cultural taboos result in a lack of control over devices. 

 

 



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Digital Literacy 
According to Md. Shahid Uddin Akbar, CEO, womenBD.com, Bangladesh is facing an acute crisis 

of skilled computer users due to literacy problems. Information in the net is designed in advanced 

technology, which requires adequate knowledge for the user. Digital literacy has been not so 

familiar to women, especially rural women. In this context, various respondents like- housewives, 

students, job holders, and other professionals were interviewed. Most of the respondents think that 

digital literacy is very necessary for a regular user of ICT tools. 

Among 100 respondents of Barisal Sadar, 35 were housewives, 35 students, 15 job 

holders related to ICT, and 15 others (illiterate/ unemployed/single, etc.) were interviewed. Lack of 

digital literacy creates dependency upon other members of the family for access to devices. 

Respondents opined that updated knowledge of ICT tools is hard to reach as they have no time other 

than household work. 

Among 50 respondents 15 were housewives, 10 jobholders, 10 students, and 15 experts at 

South Manda. Whereas, at Char Sholakia, 19 housewives, 5 jobholders, 20 students,  and 6 experts 

were interviewed. Respondents who are working outside have some digital literacy, but others only 

use these devices for communication. Digital literacy is not familiar to most housewives whereas 

students mostly use ICT tools for entertainment. 

 

Availability of ICT Tools 
Availability of ICT tools i s  the main factor behind women's less access. Though it is a major 

obstacle to using the internet for all in Bangladesh, it is worse in the context of women's usage. The 

internet and telecommunication network are still an urban privilege as this is more concentrated in 

urban areas.  Mobile operators are providing substantial service in and outside urban areas using 3G/ 

EDGE WiMAX. However, recently Bangladesh has seen phenomenal growth in Internet usage due 

to government initiatives are known as the a2i (2011) project have impacted the growth of users.  

Available ICT tools encourage women’s use and control. The following table shows the 

level of availability in the study areas. The relation between access to ICT and the availability of 

ICT tools has been identified. In study areas,  there is a difference in infrastructure. At Barisal 

Sadar, South Manda, and Char sholakia respondents were asked to select the level of availability of 

ICT tools. The respondents chose the level according to their area and how often they use these 

tools. In a study on the Barisal district, it was found that only 13% area is covered by 3G networks 

(Zisan, 2014). The comparative scenario is presented below: 

 

Table 3. Status of availability of ICT tools 

 

 

Access to ICT 

Barisal Sadar South Manda Char Sholakia Total 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Modern & 

 Available ICT 

tools 

59 59 19 38 14 28 92 41.67 

Moderately 

available 

31 31 21 42 29 58 81 43.67 

Limited and not 

continuous 

10 10 7 14 6 12 23 12 

Not available 0 0 3 6 1 2 4 2.66 

Total 100 100 50 100 50 100 200 100 

Source: Collected and prepared by the author 

 



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Among respondents of urban areas (Manda and Barisal Sadar), respectively 59% and 38% 

opines that ICT tools in these areas are modern and available enough. Another 28% in the rural area 

(Char Sholakia) says that ICT tools are available. On average, 12% o f  respondents do not find 

ICT tools continuous and limited. 2.66% of respondents say that such tools are not available. 

Availability of such tools affects accesses to ICT tools. From the above table, it is clear that ICT 

tools are comparatively more available and modern in urban areas (Barisal Sadar and South Manda). 

But most of the respondents expressed that the frequency is not good at all in rural areas. 

According to ICT experts, practitioners, trainers, and entrepreneurs, availability is the first priority 

for supporting women in ICTs. 

 

Table 4. Formal education and access to ICT 

 

Access to Barisal Sadar South Manda Char Sholakia Total 

ICT No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Illiterate 1 1 2 4 2 4 5 3 

Literate 7 7 5 10 4 8 16 8.34 

Primary 

education 

7 7 10 20 5 10 22 12.33 

SSC 23 23 15 30 12 24 50 25.66 

HSC 25 25 8 16 10 20 43 20.33 

Graduate 15 15 5 10 10 20 30 15 

Masters 20 20 5 10 5 10 30 13.33 

Technical 

education 

2 2 0 0 0 0 2 0.67 

Others 0 0 0 0 2 4 2 1.34 

Total 100 100 50 100 50 100 200 100 

Source: Prepared by the author based on collected data 

 

The percentage of respondents in the level of Secondary education (SSC) is 23% at Barisal 

Sadar, 30% at Manda, and 24% at Char Sholakia. The highest percentage is of SSC 30% at 

Manda. A little number has technical education. The respondents opined that education influences 

the usage of ICT tools. Among total respondents 3% are illiterate and 8.34% are literate. Another 

12.33% have gone through primary education. It is noted that the rate of illiteracy is more in rural 

areas and the higher education rate is more in urban areas. Education encourages women’s access to 

ICTs. 

Other education includes self-education, vocational training, etc. In the study, two 

respondents have been categorized as others who received vocational training. The above data shows 

that level of education is higher in urban areas than in rural areas. According to respondents, educated 

women can use ICT tools and control. 

 

Women Entrepreneurs & ICT Usage 

The use of ICT and digital devices are already proved to be an obvious instrument for entrepreneurs. 

Women entrepreneurs can overcome common barriers and be successful in business. Along with 

telecommunication networks and digitalized information networks rural women are also involving in 

online businesses. Many telecommunication companies offer ICT devices and tools for women 

entrepreneurs. By building a network among businesses, women will be able to share experiences and 



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gain better access into the booming ICT sector, receive ICT training and be prepared to benefit from 

such initiatives. To find out the influence of access to ICT on entrepreneurship, in this study it is 

identified that through entrepreneurship economic empowerment can be achieved. Moreover, 

respondents advocated that through the use of ICT they c a n  receive foreign remittance easily, 

create self-employment and get ICT training.  Some respondents opined that involvement with the 

business, communication skills, involvement in ICT-related jobs, etc. are influenced by the usage of 

ICT. 

 

Table 5. Women entrepreneurs & ICTs 

 

 

Access to ICT 

Barisal Sadar South Manda Char 

Sholakia 

Total 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Economic Empowerment 7 7 3 6 4 8 14 7 

The beneficiary of Foreign 

Remittance 

28 28 14 28 13 26 55 27.33 

Employment 33 33 10 20 10 20 53 24.33 

ICT training 10 10 5 10 3 6 18 8.66 

Involvement with business 12 12 8 16 10 20 30 16 

Communication Skill 5 5 5 10 5 10 15 8.34 

Involvement in 

ICT Sector 

5 5 5 10 5 10 15 8.34 

Total 100 100 50 100 50 100 200 100 

Source: Data collected from the study area and prepared by the author 

 

Respondents were asked if they think that access to ICT is linked to women's empowerment 

and entrepreneurship. The above table shows that 7% of respondents think that economic 

empowerment influences  access to ICT. Among respondents,  27.34% opines that foreign 

remittance influences women’s access to ICT. Employment and involvement with jobs is a factor for 

access to ICT- said 24.34% of respondents. In both urban and rural areas, 8.67% of respondents 

expressed that training related to ICT can enhance access to ICT. Women entrepreneurs, according 

to 16% women cause more access to ICT for their business activities. The percentage is higher in 

rural areas. Another 8.34% of respondents advocate that communication skills and entry to the ICT 

sector encourage access to ICT. 

 

Digital Security 
Most of the developing countries like Bangladesh have limitations of access to information and 

available access is not affordable because of the inadequacy of existing infrastructure. The 

challenges are posed by the lack of an integrated computer security system and education about 

computer security. There is a need for collaboration, cooperation,  and investment for security 

(Salim, 2005). In the following table, the  relation between digital security and access to ICT has 

been shown. According to 22% of women of Manda, cybersecurity is a factor behind access to 

ICT. On average 18% of respondents are familiar with cybersecurity. On the other hand, 8% of 

women have not even listened to it. 

 

 

 



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Table 6. Digital security and access to ICT 

 

 

Access to ICT 

Barisal Sadar South Manda Char Sholakia Total 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Cybersecurity 22 22 10 20 6 12 38 18 

Fear of hacking 29 29 14 28 9 18 52 25 

Misuse of ICT 

tools 

39 39 20 40 30 60 89 46.34 

Lack of legal 

support 

12 12 4 8 9 18 25 12.67 

Not aware 8 8 2 4 6 12 16 8 

Total 100 100 50 100 50 100 200 100 

Source: Prepared by the author 

 

Misuse of ICT tools has been the highest (60%) concern even in rural areas. Lack of 

legal support on various offenses is also affecting access to ICT by women. On the other hand, 

46.34% of respondents think that misuse of ICT tools affects  t h e  appropriate usage of ICTs. 

Another 12.67% of women opine that there is a lack of women-friendly law and legal support. 

Among 200 respondents 29% of respondents of Barisal Sadar says that fear of hacking 

websites, e-mails, and social networks are also influential factors. Whereas, 28% of respondents at 

South Manda express in the same way and 18% of respondents at Char Sholakia also consider this 

as a part of digital security concern. In this study, respondents were asked to mention cybersecurity 

factors like- cybercrime, fear of hacking, misuse of ICT tools, lack of legal support, etc. Some of 

the respondents (8%) are not even aware of cybersecurity.  

Though there are security threats, ICT has potentialities for women's empowerment. One of 

the respondents mentioned that the usage of ICT has made her life easier. 

 

 

Mst. Sabina Yasmin, Age-32 years, a working woman, advocates that the multifaceted use of mobile 

has made her life more comfortable. She has to maintain her family responsibilities like- paying 

electricity bills, bringing goods for daily consumption, and also her job. According to Yasmin- all these 

would be difficult if she had not taken the advantage of ICT. She pays bills through mobile, make online 

shopping, and some other daily functions. She also mentioned that, if anyone wants, through use of 

ICT can make life easier and comfortable. She also opined that a positive change of mindset of both men 

and women might lead to such comfort. 

 

 

Table 7. Overall access to ICT by women 

 

 

Access to ICT 

Barisal Sadar South Manda Char Sholakia Total 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

High access to 

ICT tools 

10 10 4 8 4 8 18 8.67 

Moderate usage 64 64 24 48 26 52 114 54.67 

Low use of ICTs 16 16 11 22 12 24 39 20.66 



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No use at all 10 10 11 22 8 16 29 16 

Total 100 100 50 100 50 100 200 100 

Source: Based on respondent’s opinion 

 

From the above table, it is seen that on average only 8.67% of women highly use ICT tools. 

Most of the women use ICT tools irregularly and 20.66% of women use ICT hardly. 16% of women 

do not have control over ICT tools. Among 200 respondents in urban areas respectively 64% and 

48% use ICT tools, in a rural area, 52% of women use ICT tools. Respondents were asked to choose 

a level of women’s access to ICT. 

 

Table 8. Gender constraints 

 

Constraints Barisal Sadar South Manda Char Sholakia Total 

 No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Illiteracy 13 13 6 12 5 10 24 11.67 

Access to  ICT 

tools 

30 30 15 30 10 20 55 26.67 

Economic 

imbalances 

15 15 9 18 6 12 30 15 

Working 

conditions 

25 25 7 14 5 10 37 16.33 

Remuneration 7 7 8 16 12 24 27 15.67 

Social barriers 6 6 5 10 7 14 18 10 

Control of 

resources 

4 4 0 0 5 10 9 4.66 

Total 100 100 50 100 50 100 200 100 

Source: Prepared by the author 

 

From the above data, it is identified 26.67% of the women do not have regular access to 

ICT tools. Especially in urban areas, women do not productively use ICT tools. In rural areas, 24% 

of respondents think that ICT usage is complicated and because of it, women get less value in a 

job. Some respondents think that technical work is only appropriate for men. Only 4.66% of women 

think that control of ICT resources is necessary. Reproductive roles are thought to be the primary 

responsibility of women. If the constraints factors are reduced, e-governance through proper access 

to ICT would be encouraged. 

 

CONCLUSION 

To achieve E-governance in Bangladesh enhancing women’s access to ICTs is necessary. The 

productive usage of ICT can pave the way for women to be an equal stakeholders in the growing 

knowledge economy. The journey for establishing a n  e-governance system in Bangladesh faced 

challenges that can be summarized by three A’s: Access, Awareness, and Applications. To promote 

women’s full participation and involvement with ICTs, national and sector-wise policies need to 

support women’s contribution to economic growth. Without the participation of both men and 

women, the growth and development of a country are quite impossible. Therefore, for ensuring 

governance and specifically E-governance in Bangladesh it is necessary to support women in ICT. 

The study unveils that ICT is that potentiality t ha t  can reach rural people and address their 



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knowledge and information needs. It is found that there are area-specific constraints regarding 

women's access to devices and their utilization. Moreover, collecting data from women in rural areas 

was difficult. Measuring the increasing usage of ICT and its impact on E-governance needs a 

nationwide study. Though the study areas were different in the context of infrastructure and other 

development indicators, constraints were common. Women's access and control are yet to be 

addressed. That is why emphasis shall be given on the women’s access to ICTs and proper usage 

of those which leads to a satisfactory level of E-Governance. Limitations of the study include lack 

of time, area, and more focus on social and economic impacts on achieving E-governance. Also, the 

security constraints should be addressed. Hence, further study would be necessary to reduce 

constraints and explore full potentialities. 

 

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