8 March 2018, Rome--- The role of information communications technologies in supporting rural women's economic empowerment, voice and status, was the focus of discussions at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) today, International Women's Day. IFAD, together with United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), highlighted the role that innovations in information and communications technologies (ICTs) can play in expanding rural women's opportunities in value chains and enterprise development, while increasing their access to education and information.

ICTs can go a long way to boosting economic opportunities for rural women. Studies indicate that when women earn money, they are more likely than men to spend it on food for their families and the education of their children.