| Infrastructure
Since
more women than men live in rural areas, the gender gap in
Internet access runs parallel to the rural/urban divide. In
rural areas where women comprise 60 percent of the population,
the resources and infrastructure for IT often are lacking.
(6)
Connectivity is typically available only in capital and perhaps
secondary cities in developing countries. With their special
responsibilities for children and the elderly, however, women
may find it more difficult than men to migrate to towns and
cities. (7)
Therefore, increasing women's access to IT involves increasing
the availability of communication in areas where women live.
Extension of infrastructure, particularly wireless and satellite
communications, to rural and peri-urban areas is crucial to
this process. In addition, access efforts should focus on
the establishment of common use facilities such as telecenters,
community phone shops, and other public places convenient
and accessible to women.
| Information
Stores in Burkino Faso |
| Boutiques
d'information illustrate how IT can bring information
to rural women in Burkina Faso. Operated by the Government,
the boutiques deliver agricultural production
and marketing information to rural farmers, with a focus
on the information needs of women. Currently running
at four sites, the project aims to provide a demand-driven
information service with an emphasis on interactivity.
The project uses local radio to maximize dissemination.
~
IIDC |
|
Nancy
Hafkin and 
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