Abstract:

The recent National Family, Household Survey-5 of India, reveals a stark discrepancy between men and women who use the Internet in 22 states and Union territories. The present study examines the existence and extent of the gender digital divide in Kerala, a region in India acclaimed for a unique model of social and economic development. A micro-level exploratory analysis using data collected from a sample of 200 households randomly selected from two strata viz: *Kudumbasree (n1=100) and non-kudumbasree (n2=100) members from a Panchayat in the district of Ernakulam, Kerala, India. The data collected using a self-administered questionnaire were analysed using SPSS software. Multiple Logistic Regression predicts internet usage based on the sociodemographic profile. The study found that women who use the internet are more significant than men. Internet penetration among the kudumbasree homemakers is more than the non-kudumbasree homemakers in the panchayat. The micro-level findings that emerged from the study contradict the national and state-level patterns regarding the gender digital divide. The study identified a significant association between socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, education, family size, economic status and internet usage. (*Neighbourhood Help Group comprise of women).

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