ICT AND DIGITAL TOOLS FOR PROMOTING VALUE-BASED HEALTH EDUCATION AMONG WOMEN: A MEDIA-CENTRIC APPROACH

Abstract

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and digital applications have been beacons of efficiency in the provision of health education to women all over the world in the digital transformation epoch. This article attempts to describe the process of assimilating traditional and modern health education with the goal of facilitating the shift from mere information transfer to the attainment of positive outcomes in health behaviour. The research reveals the increasing possibilities for reaching women through mobile applications, social networking platforms, community radio, short videos and voice services. Especially when health issues, such as nutrition, maternal health, menstrual hygiene, mental health, and reproductive health, are framed in the local context and local language, such tools have been shown to be effective. Messages about health are more effective when they are associated with social and ethical issues, such as self-respect, informed choice, empathy, and personal and collective responsibility, as they also promote deeper impact and connection. Examples from various regions of India offer evidence for the degree to which women use digital tools to promote health for themselves, their families, and their communities. This approach allows users to communicate through the media employed and to engage in storytelling and peer teaching which fosters ownership and trust. This paper argues that the potential transformative power of health education will only be fulfilled when digital resources are readily available, imbued with social value, and anchored in the lived reality of women. Continued development and funding of women-centered, tailor-made, information and communication technology (ICT) solutions is essential for the attainment of sustained health equity and women’s empowerment.