Digital empowerment in the countryside: Technological experiences of rural women entrepreneurs

Abstract

Digitalization in rural areas represents a growing phenomenon that can drive the socioeconomic transformation of traditionally marginalized communities. The objective of this research was to analyze the adoption and use of digital technologies by rural women entrepreneurs in a context where the digital revolution has transformed the rural economic landscape, but its impact on this demographic remains understudied. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used, conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 women entrepreneurs who are part of a Node to Promote the Social and Solidarity Economy in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The results reveal patterns of gradual but enthusiastic adoption of digital technologies, characterized by a multifaceted use of digital platforms and a marked emphasis on collaborative learning among participants. It is concluded that the digital development of rural women entrepreneurs requires a comprehensive approach that recognizes the particularities of the rural context, fosters collaborative learning spaces among peers, and promotes the design of technologies adapted to the specific needs of this population group, thus constituting a fundamental element for sustainable economic empowerment in these rural communities.