Digital Technology and Tribal Women's Empowerment: A Social Work Study of Nandurbar District

The rapid proliferation of digital technology across the developing world holds significant potential for marginalized communities, yet its impact on indigenous and tribal populations remains underexplored from a social work perspective. This paper examines the intersection of digital technology and women's empowerment within the specific socio-cultural context of Nandurbar District, a predominantly tribal region in Maharashtra, India. Recognizing that empowerment encompasses physical autonomy, economic participation, and decision-making capabilities, this study conceptualizes how digital interventions can either facilitate agency or reproduce existing structural inequalities. By synthesizing literature on structural barriers, the coloniality of digital spaces, and capability-enhancing technologies, the research outlines a comprehensive methodological framework designed to assess digital literacy and access among tribal women. The proposed approach integrates quantitative demographic analysis with qualitative ethnographic insights to capture the nuanced realities of everyday technology use. Ultimately, the study highlights critical socio-cultural limitations, such as patriarchal gatekeeping and psychosocial displacement, while offering practical suggestions for deploying culturally responsive digital platforms. This framework not only serves as a blueprint for localized social work interventions in Maharashtra but also contributes to the broader discourse on decolonizing digital infrastructure to ensure equitable access and meaningful empowerment for vulnerable populations.