Digital Bridges to Empowerment: Technology-Driven Pathways for Women Entrepreneurs in Kerala’s Tourism and Welfare Sectors

Abstract

This case study explores how digital technologies are reshaping pathways of empowerment for women in Kerala, with attention to both social welfare and entrepreneurial opportunities in the tourism sector. It examines the role of national initiatives such as Poshan Tracker, PMMVY, and Mission Shakti, together with state-level programs that engage women’s self-help groups and community-based tourism ventures. The study adopts a descriptive–explanatory design with embedded sub-units, drawing on interviews, policy documents, and government dashboards to capture lived experiences and institutional perspectives. Findings suggest that technology has strengthened transparency, accelerated service delivery, and enhanced women’s agency, while also creating entry points for tourism-based enterprises. At the same time, persistent gaps in digital literacy, training, and infrastructure highlight the uneven nature of access. Kerala’s experience demonstrates how welfare and enterprise can be interconnected through technology, offering lessons for inclusive governance and sustainable development. This work contributes to ongoing debates on digital welfare, gender empowerment, and women’s entrepreneurship in tourism.