Maureen has raised very valid points about the social cultural constraints. I would like to share some observations on the issue based on our research 1. Language: Generally the content is available in English and rural women are not familiar with English. 2. Problems during the Training: Training is one of the most important components while introducing ICTs into the rural setting. The duration of the training should be sufficient; the language of the training should be suited to the competency level of the user group. It is found that male because of their better exposure to new technologies such as mobile and in some cases computers also, are more comfortable in understanding the functioning of ICTs. More over as they are better educated and better skilled as far as language is concerned it is easier for them to grasp whatever is explained during the sessions. Another advantage with men is that they can learn with fellow men where as women do not have any such chance and training is the only place where they do have a chance to learn the technology. Hence training session should be well planned and be very simple, supported by visuals wherever is necessary. One to one attentions should be paid to women. Venue of the training is also important. Generally rural women are not able to travel alone hence either training venue should be near their villages or proper transportation facilities should be provided. 3. Repair and Maintenance: Provisions of repair and Maintenance facilities are must for women. It has been observed in our research that Simputers (An indigenously developed Simple Computers) distributed to male and female heads of the village rural self governance units, went out of order after a few days/months and because no repair and maintenance facilities were available at the village level women were unable to get it repaired. The Simputers owned by women were frequently out of order as they were not so well trained in using them as their male counter parts were.

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.

What is the importance of considering gender issues when working in ICT4D rural and agricultural projects and programmes? What are the key gender issues? Rural areas are generally marked by wide gender gaps. Major portion of rural population depends upon agriculture or related services for their livelihood. Women form a major portion of this workforce. Any developmental intervention like ICT in rural agriculture has to take consideration of gender issues as our own research titled "Gender issues in Rural e-governance : A case study of E-Gram Suraj ( Rural E Good Governance) project in Chhattisgarh state of India has shown that gender issues entrenched in social cultural phenomena impede women's access, use and control over ICTs. There are visible gender gaps in ICTs initiatives in rural areas. While planning the use of ICTs in rural agriculture projects if gender issues are not taken into consideration this will widen the existing gender gaps in the rural agriculture sector. For details on gender issues in ICT for Rural project please visit the following sites http://www.genderevaluation.net/mygem/node/119/ http://www.apc.org/en/news/putting-spotlight-invisible-gender-issues-indias-r

Hello myself Dr. Anupama Saxena, currently working as Associate Professor of Political Science and In-charge Director of Women's Studies and Development Centre, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh India. I am engaged in research related to equity dimension of ICT for Development Projects in special context of India. Looking forward to enriching interaction on the forum best anupama