Indonesian Journal of Applied Community Research
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): Local innovation and community-based development in Indonesia

Empowering women entrepreneurs through digital literacy: a participatory action research in rural East Java

Irwan Darmawan (Universitas Madura)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Women entrepreneurs in rural coastal East Java play a crucial economic role but face limited participation in digital markets due to low practical digital literacy. Objective: This program aimed to enhance digital skills, confidence, and agency of women micro-entrepreneurs through a participatory empowerment approach. Method: A participatory action-oriented model was implemented, including needs assessment, training, mentoring, and collaboration with local institutions and women’s groups. Results: The program engaged 38 participants, with over 70% improving digital literacy and adopting social media for business promotion, alongside a shift toward hybrid online–offline practices supported by peer learning and a local UMKM digital community. Implication: These findings suggest that community-based, mentoring-driven digital literacy programs are effective in fostering sustainable and inclusive rural entrepreneurship. Novelty: The study introduces an integrated model combining participatory training, sustained mentoring, and village-level institutional support as a scalable framework for women’s digital economic empowerment.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijac

Publisher

Subject

Description

Indonesian Journal of Applied Community Research is a double-blind peer-reviewed scholarly journal in the field of Social Science, with a specific focus on Community Development. This journal publishes original research articles, critical studies, and applied research that examine community ...