Digital Divide and the Livelihood Strategy of Female Informal Sector Workers in Rural Areas

This paper aims to analyze the livelihood strategies of female labors in the informal sector in rural areas amidst the digital disruption in the economy and the digital divide condition faced by women. We use a qualitative approach by using both primary and secondary data. The study generated primary data by distributing the questionnaires to fifty women in the rural areas of Gianyar Regency, Bali Province. Meanwhile, secondary data was obtained by observing several posts of rural women on social media such as Facebook that indicated economic activities of these women. The results show the presence of digital divide, i.e. a gap between those who have access to computers and the internet and those with limited or no access. The findings also suggest that women with minimal digital access and no internet access have a livelihood strategy by surviving in traditional markets. Women are motivated to engage in economic activities in traditional markets. Women who have digital access start to use their digital literacy to increase their participation in the economy by using their social media. Thus, this study suggests stakeholders increase the digital literacy of women, given its positive influence on women's empowerment in development not only by increasing the economic participation of rural women but also providing solutions to traditionally limited mobility. Keywords— digital divide, livelihood strategy, female labor in the informal sector