Introduction

Poverty refers to the condition in which people or communities lack the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living. As such, their basic human needs cannot be met. Poverty-stricken people and families may go without healthy food, clean water, housing, and medical attention. So unfortunate that poverty is a significant issue affecting millions of people worldwide, and rural widows are among the most vulnerable groups affected by poverty.
The question of how to cope with everyday life after the death of the spouse is the greatest question on the mind of a Widow. Usually, widows become powerless to an extent after the death of their partners. Powerlessness has been described as a primary characteristic of poverty.

Hardly does anyone live by his/her promises to fend for the widow and the children of the disease. Widows must therefore be empowered to earn a living through the creation of job opportunities that will make them less dependent on others. Poverty is also a major issue that affects the well-being of rural widows. There is a tendency for decay after the death of a spouse. To decay is to decrease in health and strength. The decay is evident in the environment in the widow’s lives. An unhealthy environment is an incubator for sicknesses and diseases and rural widows must be taken away from such an environment.

Despite all these challenges, the good news is that technological innovations can play a significant role in eradicating poverty among rural widows. Below are some ways in which technology can be leveraged to empower rural widows:

Some ways technology can empower rural widows

One of the biggest challenges that rural widows face is limited access to education and economic opportunities. Technological innovations can help bridge this gap by providing Widows with access to education and training programs that can improve their skills and knowledge. This, in turn, can lead to better job opportunities and higher incomes. Some of these technology are as follows:

Mobile technology

Mobile technology has been a game-changer in rural areas, as it allows for easier communication and access to information. Rural widows can use mobile phones to access banking services, receive market information, and communicate with potential employers or clients. This can significantly improve their economic opportunities.

Farming technology

Many Rural Widows are farmers and they rely on farming as their primary source of income but lack the resources to improve their yields. Technology can help in agriculture. Rural widows who engage in farming can benefit from technological innovations such as precision agriculture, irrigation systems, and crop management tools. Technological innovations like precision agriculture tools, weather monitoring apps, and soil sensors can help improve their productivity and profitability. These technologies can help them increase their crop yields, reduce their labor costs, and improve their food security.

Digital Literacy

Many rural widows lack basic digital literacy skills, which limits their ability to access information and job opportunities. Providing digital literacy training can enable them to access online resources and expand their knowledge, skills, and networks.

Mobile banking

Many rural widows do not have access to formal banking services, which limits their ability to save money, access credit, and conduct financial transactions. Mobile banking can provide them with a convenient and secure way to manage their finances and improve their economic prospects.

E-commerce

E-commerce platforms can provide rural widows with a platform to showcase their products. Products such as handicrafts, textiles, and agricultural products can be displayed online for people to buy. By selling their products online, they can reach a wider audience and obtain better prices for their goods. E-commerce platforms can also allow rural widows to sell their goods beyond their immediate community. This can help increase their income and reduce their dependence on middlemen.

Renewable energy

Many rural widows lack access to reliable electricity. This issue limits their ability to use technology and engage in income-generating activities. Renewable energy technologies such as solar panels can provide widows with a sustainable and affordable source of energy, thereby enabling widows to improve their standard of living.

Conclusion

In conclusion, technological innovations can play a significant role in eradicating poverty suffered by rural widows. Innovations such as By providing them with digital y, mobile banking, e-commerce, farming technology, digital literacy, and renewable energy solutions, will improve the economic prospects of widows. They will also achieve greater financial independence. It is therefore very important and essential for Government, Private Sector institutions, and individuals to ensure that these technological innovations are easily accessible and affordable to Widows.