Abstract

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought significant changes to how Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is leveraged in various industries, including social work and community development. This research analyzes the role of ICTs on the delivery of Likhaan Center for Women’s Health’s programs from March 2020 to December 2022. Likhaan is a non-government organization aiming to promote the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of women and young people from disadvantaged communities. This study considers the perspectives and experiences of Likhaan’s beneficiaries, community mobilizers, and social service providers. A mixed-methods design was utilized, beginning with an online survey-questionnaire for the collection of quantitative data from Likhaan’s beneficiaries, which garnered 90 completed responses. The quantitative data was used to identify eight beneficiaries to participate in in-depth individual interviews for the collection of complementing qualitative data. Individual interviews were also conducted with four project coordinators and clinicians from Likhaan. Additional qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) with 16 community mobilizers from various Likhaan clinics. The results revealed that ICT accessibility and integration has a direct impact on the delivery of social services, which is felt and experienced by beneficiaries, community mobilizers, and social service providers in different ways. The findings have implications for the aforementioned groups, along with policymakers, program implementers, and researchers, providing insights into opportunities, challenges, and barriers in utilizing ICT in the delivery of SRHR social services. The study underscores the need for further research, collaboration, and innovation in leveraging ICT to address the complex and multifaceted challenges related to SRHR and how it can be used in the context of social work and social welfare.