By: Elisabeth Uru Ndaya, S.Pd.     

Digital literacy is one of the efforts to increase knowledge of digital technology for women. Moreover, during the Covid-19 pandemic like now, the women are required to work harder than before because besides working at home, they should be able to perform as mothers and teachers for their children who study online at home. What a pity if women today do not understand the media, because digital media could help women to educate and to teach their children. In addition, the media can also help women to do business to support the family's economic life.

In response to this, the women of the weaving group gathered to learn how to create social media accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram, using Google, a Youtube channel for the weaving group (Monday, 30/08/2021). They were accompanied by Elisabeth Uru Ndaya and the name of their Youtube channel of the weaving group is ‘Kawara Panamung’ having a meaning of embracing each other. The channel contains content on women's activities in Sumba, such as the process of producing woven cloth and the Sumba women’s daily lives. They were so enthusiastic about learning and creating social media accounts because most of them had gadgets that made it easier for them to create their accounts.

The interesting thing they learned was the use and optimize of Google and Youtube. Katrin Njola, one of the participants said, “This is the first time I know Google and Youtube. It turns out through this media I can learn all things we want to know, for example, if my children learn from Google, they can be smart,” she said. The media can help them to find the knowledge they want to know, even as a tool to find learning materials for their children, cooking recipes, and many more uses of digital media. During the activity, Elisabeth Uru Ndaya emphasized several important things to women, such as, while using the media, they must be careful of what can be shared and what cannot, they must think critically, and not easily believe everything from the media, protect privacy, and avoid the media as a place for gossiping and judging someone. This is the reference for women to manage digital media smartly and wisely.

On that occasion, Kalita Mboru, one participant, promoted her handmade works in the form of wallets, small bags, and masks made from leftover woven cloth. Other participants appreciated the work, and the products will be promoted through digital media. Next, the group participants prepare themselves to start producing woven cloth from the beginning using 20 bulks of yarn and proceed from the first stage, namely ‘kabukul’ or winding the yarns. This process will be uploaded to 'Kawara Panamung's Youtube channel. The channel is expected to help the group promote the work, and be a platform to promote local culture, including documenting the activities of Sumba women in Tanatuku village.

Hopefully, through productive, healthy, and safe digital use, it will help the women and weaving group participants to do business of woven fabrics, both for domestic and foreign market customers.***