First Time in the Internet World Google Took the Initiative to get 50 Million Women Online by this Year

Google India has embarked on a pioneering mission in the online realm, aiming to bring 50 million women into the digital sphere within the current year. This groundbreaking effort marks the first instance in the internet world where a major internet company has taken such an initiative.

In India, out of a total of 200 million internet users, a mere 30 per cent are women. Google is now driving the "Help Women Go Online" project, slated to reach the ambitious target of 50 million female users within the next 12 months.

A successful trial run in the Bhilwara district of Rajasthan saw over one lakh women gain their initial exposure to the internet. To facilitate this endeavour, Google has established the website www.hwgo.com, offering essential resources for first-time internet users.

Under the banner of "Helping Women Get Online," Google India is launching an initiative to empower women across the country, enabling them to enhance their lives. The focus is on promoting awareness of the advantages of the internet for women and providing education to help them utilise it effectively. Collaborations with select partners will facilitate convenient internet access.

While the majority of the internet community applauds Google's efforts, some sceptics view it as a marketing ploy specific to the Indian market.

Numerous research and studies conducted by various organisations attest to the potential of the Internet to empower Indian women. It can boost self-esteem, foster free expression, create fresh opportunities, and promote education. On a broader scale, these benefits can contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, elevating the country's GDP, and enhancing the overall standard of living and societal status of women.

The chief impediments hindering women from going online are the lack of easy access, limited knowledge about internet usage, and its relevance in their daily lives. "Helping Women Get Online" seeks to surmount these obstacles and empower women to enrich their lives. The initiative aims to bring an additional 50 million women online by the close of 2014 through a range of initiatives spanning the entirety of India. Rajan Anandan, MD and VP of Sales & Operations for Google India, expressed enthusiasm for the project and the company's collaboration with prominent Indian brands in this ambitious endeavour.