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To this end, the AfriAfya respondent underscored the need for not only
'refresher' training in the use of modern ICTs, but also "updates on the new
technologies and their benefits to the rural communities, especially women".
During the interview, the question of "economic empowerment" was
emphasised, as arguably "most rural women are breadwinners for their
families". According to the AfriAfya respondent, the ICTs in question must
therefore be seen to improve the economic mainstay of the women, in
addition to other issues such as "keeping in touch with family and friends".
Alternatively, the ALIN-EA respondent stressed the importance of "a good
tailor made training programme that suits local situations" and also
"awareness creation and mobilization of the women" as key areas of activity.
Of particular interest to the interviewer was that views and opinions raised
by the respondents were similar in most cases. For instance, the
Women'snet respondent highlighted the importance of awareness creation
"through available media resources, and to the intent of the project way in
advance". The need to familiarise the target end-users with the objectives of
the organisation was also stressed. Aside from the fact that there is a need
to "ensure that there is sufficient physical and information infrastructure",
the Women'snet respondent also opined that projects should be "sensitive to
gender dynamics, for instance, projects should be flexible to the times
women can avail themselves for training".
8.4.12 How NGO's can help women help themselves
The respondents were asked how NGO's can help women help themselves.
This question aimed to draw opinions from the respondents on how best to
assist women in ICTs and rural development.
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