Abstract
Information and communication technology (ICT) is a powerful tool and an enabler of
economic growth in under-developed areas. ICTs have played an important role in women’s
development and provided opportunities for empowerment. ICTs have the potential to exchange
information and empower marginalised communities. The purpose of this paper is to cover Habermasbased
critical theory to understand the politics of women’s empowerment through the use of ICTs.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the role of ICTs in developing marginalised
women from the coastal areas of southern India. The paper is based on a qualitative study and
presents a set of questionnaires developed specifically to assess women’s development through
the use of ICTs.