Perceptions of Digital Economy Opportunities in Diverse Rural Areas in Czechia by Rural Women Leaders

Digitalisation and the digital divide are important issues being studied, particularly within the urban-rural relationship. This paper focuses on women's perceptions of digitalisation and its potential in different types of rural areas in Czechia. A total of 241 guided interviews were conducted, of which 76 (31.5%) were with women. The respondents were rural managers/leaders, representatives of local government, businesses, and NGOs involved in LAGs who can stimulate local development. Results show similarities in the perceptions of men and women, who appreciate the benefits of digitalisation (e.g., speed of communication) and negatively perceive the weakening of social ties and unequal access to ICT infrastructure or digital skills. The sector of their work influences slight differences in women's views. It is necessary to support the construction of ICT infrastructure and the development of the population's IT skills to create equal conditions for access to digital technologies.