Abstract
Abstract:
It has been established that Information and
Communication Technologies (ICTs) are key drivers for rural
development. However, while many countries such as India and
South Africa have made significant investments in rural ICT
infrastructure and its developmental spin-offs, rural women are
still neglected when it comes to access to ICTs. This neglect is
evident in the ICT policy initiatives in South Africa as an
example, where the relevant policies lack any significant or direct
attention to rural women’s development. If ICT policies do not
address the gendered digital divide in rural areas gender
inequality will be encouraged. This paper gives insights on how
information exchange by means of ICTs such as Internet, mobile
phones and radio could foster economic growth and
empowerment of rural women in South Africa. In addition, the
paper discusses the role of relevant stakeholders in ICT policy
formulation for more effective and appropriate communication,
and innovative ways of using ICTs for women empowerment in
rural areas. The authors make recommendations for ICT policy
development that would better serve the needs of rural women
leading to their empowerment.