Digital divide and marginalized women during COVID-19: a study of women recently released from prison

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgency to bridge digital divide, as those without reliable internet, adequate devices, and literacy skills were severely disadvantaged when most essential activities moved online. This study examines how affected women recently released from jail or prison, a group that was already at disadvantage in terms of access even before pandemic. Our interviews with 45 transition show their lack stable internet devices during influenced post-incarceration supervision requirements, job applications, educational opportunities, others. These navigated challenges by working social connections (e.g., friends neighbors) relying on emergency resources deployed local institutions Those staying transitional houses being fully into communities indicated they often depended facility staff family/friends community for pandemic-related information due limited facilities. other findings this research provide insights technological needs marginalized public health crisis.