Abstract:
This study investigates the sociological effects of mobile phone use among women in the
Batticaloa District of Sri Lanka. Emphasizing the intersections of gender, technology, and social
transformation. The central objective is to examine how mobile phone usage influences women’s
daily lives, with a particular focus on empowerment, communication, education, and economic
participation. The research addresses key questions: How do women in Batticaloa engage with
mobile technology? What socio-cultural and economic factors shape their usage? What barriers
limit their access to and use of mobile phones? The study identifies core problems such as the
gender digital divide, limited digital literacy, and patriarchal norms that inhibit women’s full digital
inclusion. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative data from 200
structured surveys with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS for statistical correlations, while thematic analysis was
used for qualitative interpretation. Findings reveal that mobile phones have significantly enhanced
women’s access to information, social connectivity, and self-agency, particularly among younger
and urban users. However, older women and those in rural settings remain disadvantaged due to
affordability, literacy barriers, and cultural constraints. The study recommends targeted digital
literacy programs, affordable access initiatives, and gender-sensitive ICT policies to promote
inclusive technological empowerment.
