From Fear to Freedom: Digital Literacy as a Lifeline for Women in Nepal Leave a comment

Reflections from Phase 1 Digital Literacy Training – April 17, 2025

By Madhav Timilsina, Digital Literacy Facilitator

When I stepped into the room to lead Global Maheela’s first digital literacy training in Nepal, I thought I knew what to expect.

I came prepared with slides on smartphone basics, examples of small businesses using Facebook, and a list of simple tools for learning online. But what I wasn’t prepared for was how emotional the session would be not just for the participants, but for me.

We had 30 women and youth join us, most of them from families impacted by labor migration. Some had never touched a smartphone before. Out of 30 participants, only five women even owned a smartphone, and none of them knew how to use it beyond making or receiving a call. A few had never even opened a browser, let alone posted a photo or searched for a product online.

And yet they were the most curious, motivated, and courageous learners I’ve ever met.

Digital Literacy Isn’t Just a Skill. It’s Protection.

Many women shared painful stories of being scammed by mobile agents who charged hidden fees, or phone calls that tricked them into sending money. One woman said quietly, “I didn’t know what was happening, but I was too embarrassed to ask.”

That hit me hard.

In today’s world, not knowing how to use a phone or navigate the internet doesn’t just mean missing out on opportunities, it means being vulnerable. It means not being able to access healthcare, send money safely, or even protect your identity.

And still, these women showed up with an open heart and an eagerness to learn. That takes courage.

A Story That Stays With Me

One woman in the session makes beautiful handmade jewelry delicate, colorful, full of culture. She told me she only sells in her local village because she doesn’t know how to sell online.

“If I knew how,” she said, “maybe people outside would see my work.”

That sentence stayed with me.

She’s not missing talent. She’s missing tools. And that’s what this training is here to change.

Why This Can’t Be a One-Time Thing

This first session was about breaking the fear. About helping women see that technology isn’t just for “big people” or “educated people” it’s for them too.

But it was also clear: one training is not enough.

They need repetition. They need to practice. And they need more time to turn what they learned into something they can use in real life.

That’s why I believe these trainings should happen quarterly so that digital learning becomes part of their growth journey, not just a one-day experience.

Looking Ahead

What inspired me most was the way these women supported each other. They asked for help. They laughed at their mistakes. They encouraged their neighbors. And they left the session with a new kind of confidence one that goes beyond apps or devices.

They now see what’s possible.

I’m excited for Phase 2,not because I’m the trainer, but because I want to see where they take this next. These women are more than ready. They just needed someone to believe in them and I’m proud that Global Maheela is doing exactly that.

Final Words

Digital literacy is no longer a luxury. It’s the key to independence, protection, and opportunity. And in communities where women are already leading with heart and skill, it’s the missing link we must provide.

Thank you to Global Maheela for creating this platform.
Thank you to the women who showed up and reminded me why this work matters.
And thank you to those who continue to support this mission.

Let’s not stop here.

🌐 Visit www.globalmaheela.com to support more trainings like this.

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