Question2

As in other ICT projects, one should determine the project's scope and map (list) the stakeholders and factors that make up the project environment, in particular the so-called work system (e.g. the farm processes) in which the ICT solution is going to play a role. In the current situation (AS-IS work system) there will be an allocation of roles (doing the work, accessing the information) which may be gender-based (let's call this the gender status quo). Required changes to the gender status quo must be identified early, these are "social order changes", necessary to make the ICT solution effective (in the anticipated "socio-technical" TO-BE work system). With the stakeholders a gender-feasible socio-technical blueprint must be agreed, and related activities and evaluations (see for instance: GEM Step 1) must be planned. Typically the activities would include communications/training that is also gender-aware.

Among the first steps to be taken is a social mapping program that identifies and characterizes the social system as alluded to earlier. This will provide a clear picture and facts about gender dynamics within the project area. This is very important to avoid making assumptions about gender issues. Another important step may also be participatory design of such projects with the communities that will be involved. I believe that the design of the projects should be in such a way that it is malleable according to specifics on the ground. This will also, to a large extent, contribute to the success of the ICT4D projects.

Lisa and Jennifer, I have missed the yesterday discussions. Your 2nd question is most important element for the successful operation of ICT4D initiatives at local level. As it was already indicated above, most important thing is about the social culture barrier which is one of the critical entry barriers for such initiatives at rural settings. Therefore we need to develop holistic approach/ participation at community level where we can develop confident level of women participation. Other important factors is local content, with out appropriate and Users' friendly content of the ICT initiatives would not be successful especially when we are targeting more women participations. Control over the resources also play major role in to ownership. In this context before developing such project we need to develop clear business model and what is the level of earning that directly shares with the women? . Another important factor is capacity building - How much we invest to local build capacity with especial target?. Finally economic mapping is another important factor like which sector is most viable for women that ICT4D initiative be integrated. With best regards, Ekanath

Gender refers to the socially constructed roles and socially learned behaviors and expectations associated with females and males. Gender balance should be the number one priority ensuring that equal or near equal numbers of capable and competent females (girls & women) and males (boys & men) are able to participate equally in any activity(in this case Agriculture) at all or any level for purposes of development. In other words, no particular gender should dominate the activity at the expense of the other. It could be in decision making, working opportunities or economic ventures. Many a times, a lot of emphasis has been put on the female gender and this has made them more vulnerable to circumstances. Like Alasow mentioned in the Question 1, both genders should be involved during the onset of any ICT4D project. Even if particular projects have been designed for one Gender say female, they cannot work in isolation because the male play key roles in their lives say....husbands, brothers, nephews, uncles etc. So the earlier we involve them and change their mindset towards each other and understand how ICTs can benefit them, the easier the work of the implementers. Regards Maureen Agena WOUGNET :D

Dear Ekanath, Thanks for your input! You may still visit Question 1 and participate at any time :) The discussions are engaging and we will be providing a summary with major key points, as well as a Policy Brief. Oh btw: If you encountered issues uploading your picture, you may try clicking 'Edit my profile' after you login, and you may upload it there. Again, thanks everybody for your participation! More interesting questions to come soon! :) Lisa

Thanks Analia for your quick responses into the discussions. First of all, I might sound too repetitive that from the "telecentre network level." It is not easily possible to identify the gender issues on the ground that are faced by the telecentre operators because our focus is to increase telecentre performance such that they improve their services to the end users. The researches and GEM we conducted, highlighted problems that hamper the performance of telecentres which were never communicated by the telecentre operators but were identified through research and GEM from the field. This enabled us to understand the gender issues surrounding the telecentre environment and how they could be handled for improved gender equity to access and usage of the telecentres. The gender issues highlighted from the field were no different from what Maureen and Alasow highlighted. Issues regarding access, control, usage, illiteracy, lack of awareness. However, it was found out that majority of the women used radios and mobile telephones. Then as Maureen highlighted was also our major concern, as to who would especially buy new batteries for the radios to enable the women to continuously listen to their programmes- it was the men/husbands, whether there was actual control and use on the radios, and who would buy credit on their phones. Some telecentres have community radios that have programmes targeting the rural farmers and other major activities as they present in the communities. Lack of awareness was another big problem faced by the telecentres. Many of their work and activities were never known by the communities to which they claimed to serve. I hope I will be able to share tomorrow the link for the GEM report. Am faced with slow connectivity. Best Sarah UgaBYTES

I think as we talk about gender,which actually is supposed to generate equal opportunities between women and girls,men and boys,and or women and men, i think the issue of addressing culture and the social relations in itself should be of great importance. This is because in rural areas culture which triggers in an unequal power relations between women and men and hence causing gender disparity is still significant and hence addressing this issues by bringing both men and women or boys and girls together would be trying to address the underlying issue at hand. Regards, Moses

The first step is to consider addressing the gender disparity especially in rural areas and second would be to look at the cultural aspects of societies that promotes gender inequality and especially in access to ICT tools and third would be to bring both women and men or boys and girls together in trying to understand and appreciate the social and technological issues that promotes inequalities as one of the constraints to socio-economic developments inorder to address those concerns and other activities designed to promote or sustain such programs to follow Regards Moses

Hi Sarah, I think it's very accurate to talk about the telecentre perspective. Everyone: you can check out key issues of the evaluations that was carried out in Uganda here: http://www.genderevaluation.net/mygem/news/telecentres_uganda_do_not_appeal_rural_women?1407269383=1 The evaluation had a positive impact on the telecentre in terms of addressing women's "The Buwama CMC manager explained that GEM changed his and his staff's attitude towards their work, and it helped them understand how to provide services better suited to the overall community, by focussing on women's needs. Awareness-raising campaigns, better communication within management, plans to restructure the services offered and incorporating the information needs of women are some of the steps these telecentres decided to take towards equitable access". Analía

1.An understanding of women's status and gender roles in the society are very important before planning ICT for D projects. 2.Accordingly, identification of the factors that can restrict women's equal access to technology is important. 3.While planning the ICT for D projects the information on two of the above mentioned points should be taken into consideration. 4.The planning and implementing team should include a gender expert. 5.A continuous gender evaluation of project implementation is necessary. 6.Many researches are conducted at global level on women's access, use, control and impact of ICT for D Projects. Data of these researches are also very useful to plan the gender inclusive ICT for D Projects.

Sarah you raise a very important point on lack of awareness by communities re telecentres...How best do the telecenters reach everyone in a rural setting?

Gender is understood as being the relations between men and women, which is not determined biologically but is constructed socially. It plays a huge role in societies "and often governs the processes of production and reproduction, consumption and distribution". Factors such as culture, location, age and belief systems all impact on the way women and men access privilege and position. This question explores quite practically, the steps we can take in ensuring that women are empowered in ICT4D projects and that both men and women will benefit. Jennifer Forum Moderator

[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 2 opened on 6th July 2. When we talk about the role of gender in implementing ICT4D projects, what are some of the first steps that could be taken? [/quote] Gender issue is an important topic. Hence, when considering gender inclusive ICT4D, the following steps needs to be considered: 1) [u]Develop advocacy and communication plans[/u] to intended to raise public awareness about the importance of the gender empowerment and participation in development projects. 2) [u]Develop plans to create ICT infrastructures [/u]to create an enabling enviroment and access. 3) [u]Develop training programmes[/u] to educate, stakeholders/beneficiaries: 3.1) Trainining local leaders, religious authorities, youth organization, and government authorities 3.2) Training for women TOT's on ICT4D. 3.3) Training for women and men on how to use ICT 4) [u]Develop codes of conduct on ICT use and participation[/u], so as to ensure full gender participation 5) [u]Develop IEC materials, social marketing plans[/u] to sell ICT4D. 6) [u]Develop M&E plans with clear indicators[/u] that ensure the implementation of the planned programmes and ensures the smooth continuation of the programme. Regards

One of the first steps should be an administrative order that gives mode of implementation of project/program.The order should clearly mention that women must be be involved in the program in very transparent and tangible manner.When the project director or coordinator is instructed clearly the involvement of women in the programs will be ensured without fail. Another initial step may be monitoring at very early stage to see if the gender requirement is fulfilled properly.If the involvement of gender is not done properly,the project director or coordinator must be advised to comply with the requirements of the project that demand the involvement of women.

Talking about gender, it is best first to consider the roles and responsibilities of the men and the women. I have talked of cost, availability, user friendliness, time table, space. In rural areas, when we talk of ICT4D, we have also to consider the level of education and therefore, capacity to understand and use it. And most importantly, we have to think of the FORMAT. This would include language. As most people in rural areas are less literate, their capacity to use ICTS hence becomes constrained. Worst affected are women who due to social-economic and cultural reasons, the majority of whom might have missed to get to good education levels. And one of the things that I have been discussing alot is: the end of result of the ICT4D. Is it for technology sake or and most importantly, for CHANING PEOPLE'S LIVES-- sustainable livelihoods.

[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 2 opened on 6th July 2. When we talk about the role of gender in implementing ICT4D projects, what are some of the first steps that could be taken? [/quote] Hello all, I think most of the key points have been covered -- cost is a big issue for women, as we know, as well as ease of access in terms of time schedule, proximity to where women live and work, ability for women to travel safely to and from the technology location, language and training. We also know that women work a double and triple day -- productive, reproductive and community/volunteer activities -- and that one of the reasons they don't always use technologies as much as men is because they don't have the time! They also don't tend to have access to the same level of discretionary income as men. So we also need to focus on demonstrating the value of ICTs to increase production, efficiency and income, and how the information and communication fostered by ICTs will be of value to women. They need to see that it's worth the investment of time and money to learn and use ICTs before they will make that investment. It seems that women readily understand the value of mobiles for communicating with family, suppliers, and gaining market information. These are important, but limited in their value for improving livelihoods. There tends to be less understanding of how some of the other technologies can be worth the time and money needed -- we need to demonstrate how other technologies and other uses of mobiles can be valuable and beneficial as well. Best, Sophia

[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 2 opened on 6th July 2. When we talk about the role of gender in implementing ICT4D projects, what are some of the first steps that could be taken? [/quote] Hello all, I think most of the key points have been covered -- cost is a big issue for women, as we know, as well as ease of access in terms of time schedule, proximity to where women live and work, ability for women to travel safely to and from the technology location, language and training. We also know that women work a double and triple day -- productive, reproductive and community/volunteer activities -- and that one of the reasons they don't always use technologies as much as men is because they don't have the time! They also don't tend to have access to the same level of discretionary income as men. So we also need to focus on demonstrating the value of ICTs to increase production, efficiency and income, and how the information and communication fostered by ICTs will be of value to women. They need to see that it's worth the investment of time and money to learn and use ICTs before they will make that investment. It seems that women readily understand the value of mobiles for communicating with family, suppliers, and gaining market information. These are important, but limited in their value for improving livelihoods. There tends to be less understanding of how some of the other technologies can be worth the time and money needed -- we need to demonstrate how other technologies and other uses of mobiles can be valuable and beneficial as well. Best, Sophia