Women Empowerment And Right To Internet Access: Internet As A Tool To Close The Gender Gap
- IJLLR Journal
- Feb 24
- 1 min read
Vedika Singhvi, O.P. Jindal Global University
ABSTRACT:
This article explores how women's empowerment can be achieved by recognizing their right to internet access, with a focused on internet as a means to break the barriers and promote gender equality. The article conducts a comparative legal analysis of the internet access regimes in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and India. The article aims to differentiate between the various legislations in order to decipher whether access to the internet can be considered a fundamental right in such a jurisdiction.
Further, the Indian Constitution has recognised that the right to Internet access becomes a component of both the right to education and the right to privacy guaranteed and established as under Article 21. Additionally, the right to internet access is protected under freedom of speech and expression, right to carry trade and commerce, and right to information under Article 19(1) of the Indian Constitution.
The article aims to portray that internet access is essential for effectively exercising fundamental rights, such as the freedom of speech and expression, information access, education, and the ability to trade and conduct business, through which the gender gaps and disparities can be diminished. This article further contemplates that the internet plays a vital role in women's empowerment by asserting inclusive education, economic participation, and civic engagement, thus protected under the Indian Constitution.
