DIGITAL MEDIA INCLUSION AND GENDER INEQUALITY AMONG WOMEN WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS IN CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/ShodhVichar.v2.i1.2026.107Keywords:
Visual Impairment, Women With Disabilities, Digital Media, Social Inclusion, Social Media, EmpowermentAbstract
Women with visual impairments are often viewed as vulnerable rather than empowered individuals. Society frequently perceives women with disabilities as helpless and dependent. Limited access to communication, education, employment opportunities, independent living arrangements, and personal relationships, along with experiences of victimization and abuse, influence how the public perceives them. Among adults aged 18 years and above, women account for a higher proportion of disability, with 19.2% compared to 12% among men, representing nearly one in five women.
Women with disabilities experience systematic marginalization and face attitudinal and environmental barriers that contribute to lower economic and social status. Visual impairment includes all degrees of vision loss, injury, harm, and low vision that limit an individual’s ability to perform everyday activities independently.
Digital Media platforms provide opportunities for interaction, access to information, education, healthcare services, and personal expression. These digital platforms help individuals with visual impairments overcome communication barriers and participate more actively in society. Smartphone and networking sites can therefore play a positive role in improving lifestyle, increasing awareness, and fostering empowerment among women with visual impairments. This study focuses on how social media bridges the information gap and contributes to the empowerment of visually impaired women.
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