THE great digital divide between access and utility of modern technology affects individuals and families in profound ways, it can be life limiting and costly to lack confidence or ability using or protecting ourselves online.
Victorian Women’s Trust are presenting free events in Shepparton in August seeking to build women’s digital confidence and skills. Mary Crooks, executive director, emphasised that recent research shows rural women face significant barriers to online participation, including access, affordability and ability.
“Things like a lack of NBN connection in regional areas can prevent rural women from getting started on their digital journey, but fear and shame can perpetuate the problem as women are often judged harshly for their perceived lack of technical abilities,” Ms Crooks said.
“Our Rural Women Online project will help address ability-based barriers by providing opportunities for women in rural Victoria to build their digital skills in a safe, non-judgmental ways.”
August 5-9 at the McIntosh Centre in Shepparton, there will be free Digital Skills Workshops, drop-in sessions with digital experts to solve technical problems, and the Stands – packed with information, stop by the Stands to experience some of the incredible things that people are doing with tech. Learn what’s free, what’s paid, how to use it, and how it can help you. Open Monday to Friday, 10am – 6pm.
All sessions are free with information presented in language methodologies for the programs to cater to Shepparton’s diverse community and to reach the most women possible to have the greatest impact.
Bookings are essential. View the full program online at: www.ruralwomenonline.org.au Need help making a booking? Call 0408 319 363.
