Empowering Assam’s Digital Future: Integrating Data Feminism into Public Infrastructure for Equitable Development

In the heart of Guwahati, as dusk descends, the city’s streets transform. The once-bustling avenues quieten, and for many women, the night brings not just darkness but a palpable sense of unease. Dimly lit roads, inadequate public transport, and the absence of safe public spaces make every journey home a challenge. This isn’t just a personal concern; it’s a systemic issue that underscores the need for a paradigm shift in how we design and implement public infrastructure.

Consider the case of the Bhraman Sarathi (Pink) Buses, launched with much fanfare in 2021 to provide women and senior citizens with a safe and free mode of transport. Initially, there were 25 buses, but within a year, the fleet dwindled to just four. The official reason cited was low passenger traffic. However, this raises a pertinent question: if the demand was low, why was the initiative launched so ambitiously in the first place? And if the demand was there, why wasn’t it sustained? This situation highlights a critical oversight in urban planning-designing infrastructure without genuinely understanding the needs and safety concerns of its primary users.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Across Assam, women face systemic disadvantages due to infrastructural shortcomings. A significant percentage of women are employed in unorganized sectors, with a workforce participation rate lower than the national average. Educational barriers, healthcare challenges, and underrepresentation in political spheres further compound these issues. (advaitias.com)

The concept of “Data Feminism” offers a compelling framework to address these challenges. At its core, Data Feminism advocates for the inclusion of diverse voices in data collection, analysis, and decision-making processes. By integrating this perspective into public infrastructure projects, we can ensure that the needs of marginalized groups, especially women, are not just acknowledged but prioritized.

For instance, the Assam Urban Infrastructure Investment Program (AUIIP) aims to enhance the urban environment and quality of life in cities like Guwahati and Dibrugarh. While the program has made strides in improving infrastructure, there’s a pressing need to incorporate gender-sensitive planning. This means not only considering the physical aspects of infrastructure but also understanding how these developments impact different genders uniquely. (news18.com)

A practical application of Data Feminism in this context would involve conducting comprehensive gender audits of existing infrastructure. Such audits would assess how current facilities serve or fail to serve women, identify areas of improvement, and inform the design of future projects. For example, ensuring that public transport systems are safe, accessible, and reliable for women, especially during late hours, is a direct application of this approach.

Moreover, fostering an environment where women actively participate in the planning and decision-making processes is crucial. This can be achieved by establishing platforms that encourage women’s voices in urban planning, ensuring that their experiences and needs shape the development trajectory of Assam’s cities.

The integration of Data Feminism into public infrastructure isn’t merely a theoretical exercise; it’s a practical necessity. By centering the experiences and needs of women, we not only create safer and more inclusive spaces but also pave the way for a more equitable society. After all, infrastructure isn’t just about roads and buildings; it’s about the lives they touch and the communities they serve.

Takeaways:

• Inclusive Planning: Prioritize the inclusion of diverse voices, especially women, in infrastructure development to ensure that projects address the real needs of all community members.

• Gender Audits: Regularly assess existing infrastructure through a gendered lens to identify gaps and areas for improvement, ensuring that facilities are safe and accessible for women.

• Active Participation: Create platforms that empower women to actively participate in urban planning and decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership and agency in the development of their communities.

As we envision the future of Assam’s cities, let’s ask ourselves: Are we building spaces that truly serve everyone, or are we merely constructing structures that overlook the very people they are meant to support?

About the Author

Sanjeev Sarma is the Founder Director of Webx Technologies Private Limited, a leading Technology Consulting firm with over two decades of experience. A seasoned technology strategist and Chief Software Architect, he specializes in Enterprise Software Architecture, Cloud-Native Applications, AI-Driven Platforms, and Mobile-First Solutions. Recognized as a “Technology Hero” by Microsoft for his pioneering work in e-Governance, Sanjeev actively advises state and central technology committees, including the Advisory Board for STPI and NIELIT. He is also the Managing Editor for Mahabahu.com, an international journal. Passionate about fostering innovation, he actively mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and leads transformative digital solutions for enterprises and government sectors from his base in Northeast India.