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hindrances to accessibility must be significantly reduced, either before or
during the provision of the technology.
Subsequently, it is envisaged that this study will be able to reduce this gap
by using the information gathered from the two countries (South Africa and
Kenya) as a platform for strategic planning in projects that involve rural
women and ICTs. In so doing, this study intends to determine not only the
types of training and skills enhancement initiatives required, but also other
participatory development initiatives that are necessary to promote rural
community development.
The debate surrounding ICT policy is still wanting in many developing
countries, as there is a lack of enthusiasm on the part of decision-makers to
embark on ICT projects. Undeniably, ICT developments are dependent on a
dynamic national ICT policy environment, the regulation of broadcasting
licenses, and on the ensuing skills required to use and manage this industry.
For instance, as opposed to South Africa, which does have a national ICT
policy framework, the ICT policy debate in Kenya still awaits parliamentary
approval after numerous years of trial, discussion and debate. To this end,
the International Technology Development Group [!TDG] (2005) has
expressed the view that women rarely contribute to the policy debate
surrounding poverty as most are often illiterate, lack confidence and
mobility.
By auditing and mapping the ICT infrastructure in both Kenya and South
Africa, and especially amongst rural women, this study intends to suggest
and recommend suitable mechanisms whereby ICT policies could be used to
promote development amongst rural women.
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