Digital skills are both a tool and a symbol of empowerment for women in India's tier-2 cities, which are urban areas that are quickly shifting from traditional to contemporary economies. In these semi-urban settings, this study examines how digital literacy might improve women's socioeconomic engagement. It explores how women's roles in work, entrepreneurship, e-commerce, digital finance, education, and civic involvement are transformed by access to digital devices, internet connectivity, and skill training, drawing on multidisciplinary viewpoints.

Women who are digitally literate experience greater autonomy in decision-making, improved access to information, and enhanced social mobility. However, despite significant progress, disparities persist due to socio-cultural barriers, affordability issues, and infrastructural limitations. Using a mixed-method approach that includes survey analysis, interviews, and secondary data from government and NGO reports, the paper provides a nuanced understanding of how digital literacy acts as a catalyst for women’s empowerment. It also highlights the need for inclusive digital policies, gender-sensitive training programs, and public-private partnerships that bridge the gendered digital divide. The findings underscore that fostering digital literacy among women in tier-2 cities is not only a matter of individual empowerment but also a strategic imperative for equitable urban development and national progress in the digital era.