Convergence opportunities and factors influencing the use of internet and telephony by rural women in South Africa and India towards empowerment
- Joseph, Meera K., Andrew, Theo N.
- Authors: Joseph, Meera K. , Andrew, Theo N.
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mobile technology , Rural development , Women in development
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/18741 , uj:16037 , Citation: Joseph, M.K. & Andrew, T.N. 2007. Convergence opportunities and factors influencing the use of internet and telephony by rural women in South Africa and India towards empowerment. IFIP International Federation for Information Processing, Volume 241 (Venkatesh, A. et al. (Eds.) Home Informatics and Telematics: ICT for the Next Billion), pp. 1-20. ISBN: 978-0-387-73696-9
- Description: Abstract: Access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can have dramatic impact on poverty alleviation for rural women and for achieving socio economic development goals. Rural women need to treat ICTs as an empowerment tool and a means to a living. The use of mobile communication devices and internet are changing the way agricultural activities are managed by farmers nowadays. Rural women's lack of mobility and less hands-on computer experience might hinder women's welfare and empowerment. This paper analyses how use of the telephony (both cellular and land line), internet and other ICTs can benefit rural women in educational, business and economic sector. Women in rural India and rural South Africa were marginalized partly due to their lack of ability in being vocal when it comes to empowering themselves using ICTs due to cultural norms in India, and apartheid in South Africa. Over the years, unlike other developing countries, the above-mentioned countries have its unique ICT projects meant for empowering rural women. This paper is driven from the authors' commitment for rural development and rural women empowerment. It highlights different low-cost ICT initiatives and strategies taken by women's organizations, various companies and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for rural women empowerment. The paper also highlights various factors influencing use of internet and mobile phone adoption by rural women. Various bottlenecks for the community projects, factors de-motivating the use of mobile phones and internet by rural women and possible solutions for these are also mentioned.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Joseph, Meera K. , Andrew, Theo N.
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mobile technology , Rural development , Women in development
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/18741 , uj:16037 , Citation: Joseph, M.K. & Andrew, T.N. 2007. Convergence opportunities and factors influencing the use of internet and telephony by rural women in South Africa and India towards empowerment. IFIP International Federation for Information Processing, Volume 241 (Venkatesh, A. et al. (Eds.) Home Informatics and Telematics: ICT for the Next Billion), pp. 1-20. ISBN: 978-0-387-73696-9
- Description: Abstract: Access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can have dramatic impact on poverty alleviation for rural women and for achieving socio economic development goals. Rural women need to treat ICTs as an empowerment tool and a means to a living. The use of mobile communication devices and internet are changing the way agricultural activities are managed by farmers nowadays. Rural women's lack of mobility and less hands-on computer experience might hinder women's welfare and empowerment. This paper analyses how use of the telephony (both cellular and land line), internet and other ICTs can benefit rural women in educational, business and economic sector. Women in rural India and rural South Africa were marginalized partly due to their lack of ability in being vocal when it comes to empowering themselves using ICTs due to cultural norms in India, and apartheid in South Africa. Over the years, unlike other developing countries, the above-mentioned countries have its unique ICT projects meant for empowering rural women. This paper is driven from the authors' commitment for rural development and rural women empowerment. It highlights different low-cost ICT initiatives and strategies taken by women's organizations, various companies and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for rural women empowerment. The paper also highlights various factors influencing use of internet and mobile phone adoption by rural women. Various bottlenecks for the community projects, factors de-motivating the use of mobile phones and internet by rural women and possible solutions for these are also mentioned.
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An evaluation of a women empowerment lifeskills programme in an informal settlement
- Authors: Nkosi, Allucia Lulu
- Date: 2008-10-20T09:15:40Z
- Subjects: Women in development , Women's rights , Squatter settlements , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1270
- Description: M.A. , The aim of the study is to implement and evaluate a women empowerment lifeskills programme in the informal settlement in Germiston (Gauteng). South African women live in poverty, deal with violence and due to their status in the past, they have been identified as vulnerable and disempowered target group in social service delivery. The research study is evaluation research often used when evaluating a social programme. The integrated model of programme evaluation (IMPE) of De Vos (1998) is selected and adjusted for the purpose of this study. The research process is initiated with a literature study on the concepts empowerment, participation and other relevant concepts to the study. The research is limited to the Delport informal settlement in Germiston, Gauteng. Data collection took place in the three phases of the research study. Phase one: Needs assessment, utilises key informants and a community forum. Phase two: process evaluation, utilises a semi-structured interview schedule. Phase three: Outcome evaluation, group administered questions are used. The target group of the study is women residing in Delport informal settlement. Results in the study indicated that the SAWEF lifeskills programme is effective in addressing the needs for lifeskills programme of semi-literate in an informal settlement. It is recommended that the SAWEF lifeskills programme should be implemented more extensively and continuously evaluated to determine whether it continues to address the needs of the target group it is intended for, being women. Results and conclusions drawn from this study can not be generalised to the broader population of women in informal settlements. Further research is needed to determine whether SAWEF lifeskills programme used in this study would be effective for women in different levels and in other communities in South Africa. , Prof. J.B.S. Nel
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nkosi, Allucia Lulu
- Date: 2008-10-20T09:15:40Z
- Subjects: Women in development , Women's rights , Squatter settlements , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1270
- Description: M.A. , The aim of the study is to implement and evaluate a women empowerment lifeskills programme in the informal settlement in Germiston (Gauteng). South African women live in poverty, deal with violence and due to their status in the past, they have been identified as vulnerable and disempowered target group in social service delivery. The research study is evaluation research often used when evaluating a social programme. The integrated model of programme evaluation (IMPE) of De Vos (1998) is selected and adjusted for the purpose of this study. The research process is initiated with a literature study on the concepts empowerment, participation and other relevant concepts to the study. The research is limited to the Delport informal settlement in Germiston, Gauteng. Data collection took place in the three phases of the research study. Phase one: Needs assessment, utilises key informants and a community forum. Phase two: process evaluation, utilises a semi-structured interview schedule. Phase three: Outcome evaluation, group administered questions are used. The target group of the study is women residing in Delport informal settlement. Results in the study indicated that the SAWEF lifeskills programme is effective in addressing the needs for lifeskills programme of semi-literate in an informal settlement. It is recommended that the SAWEF lifeskills programme should be implemented more extensively and continuously evaluated to determine whether it continues to address the needs of the target group it is intended for, being women. Results and conclusions drawn from this study can not be generalised to the broader population of women in informal settlements. Further research is needed to determine whether SAWEF lifeskills programme used in this study would be effective for women in different levels and in other communities in South Africa. , Prof. J.B.S. Nel
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The role of ABET programmes in the development of rural black women in the Mkhuhlu area.
- Authors: Ndlovu, Busisiwe Gloria
- Date: 2012-09-11
- Subjects: Adult education - South Africa - Mkhuhlu , Women, Black - Education - South Africa - Mkhuhlu , Women in development
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:10010 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7401
- Description: M.Ed. , The study aimed at investigating the role played by ABET programmes in the development of rural black women in the Mkhuhlu area. The study was to determine whether the ABET programmes that are provided in the area are offering relevant education that helps the women of the area in their development. In-depth interviews were conducted with sixteen female learners. Interviews, observation and documentation were used as methods for data collection. The research findings established that the ABET programmes provided in the area are not providing the relevant skills needed to develop the women participants. The programmes that are offered concentrate on literacy and numeracy, and it would seem not to be very effective in making a difference to the women's lives. The women that were interviewed have not yet improved their quality of life. They need skills that can help them generate an income to improve their living conditions. The study, in summary, established that the programmes offered by the ABET centres would be more effective if skills training is included to uplift and improve the lives of the participants on a social, economical as well as educational level.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndlovu, Busisiwe Gloria
- Date: 2012-09-11
- Subjects: Adult education - South Africa - Mkhuhlu , Women, Black - Education - South Africa - Mkhuhlu , Women in development
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:10010 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7401
- Description: M.Ed. , The study aimed at investigating the role played by ABET programmes in the development of rural black women in the Mkhuhlu area. The study was to determine whether the ABET programmes that are provided in the area are offering relevant education that helps the women of the area in their development. In-depth interviews were conducted with sixteen female learners. Interviews, observation and documentation were used as methods for data collection. The research findings established that the ABET programmes provided in the area are not providing the relevant skills needed to develop the women participants. The programmes that are offered concentrate on literacy and numeracy, and it would seem not to be very effective in making a difference to the women's lives. The women that were interviewed have not yet improved their quality of life. They need skills that can help them generate an income to improve their living conditions. The study, in summary, established that the programmes offered by the ABET centres would be more effective if skills training is included to uplift and improve the lives of the participants on a social, economical as well as educational level.
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Gender equality in the sport sector : the case of selected Southern African countries
- Authors: Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Gender , Gender equality , Women in development
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/424788 , uj:36343 , Vyas-Doorgapersad, S.: Gender equality in the sport sector : the case of selected Southern African countries.
- Description: Abstract: Africa is a patriarchal society where men dominate those sectors that are considered masculine. Sport is traditionally considered a masculine activity, hence it still creates gender segregation; side-lining women from participating in sport activities and being represented in sport management structures. The aim of this article is to explore the status of gender equality in the sport sector in the Southern African context. The following 10 countries constitute African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Following a multidisciplinary research perspective, the author conducted a literature survey, document analysis, and desktop review of the challenges and realities of gender equality in the sport sector covering selected AUSC Region 5 countries in Southern Africa. Utilising a qualitative research approach, this article explores the need for gender equality in the sport sector. The findings confirm that although there is a gender-biased approach in the sport sector that can lead to social and economic development of society, it can be a platform to empower girls and women; however, a stereotypical mentality, socioeconomic barriers, and cultural norms still restrict female participation and representation in sport-related activities and processes. This article discusses these challenges and offers solutions for improvement. The article discusses that there are transformative changes in the world that force social inclusion of women in all aspects of life, including sports. These transformative changes require governments and sports organisations to reform their policies to make them more gender inclusive. This is an aspect of ongoing debates in country-specific contexts.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Gender , Gender equality , Women in development
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/424788 , uj:36343 , Vyas-Doorgapersad, S.: Gender equality in the sport sector : the case of selected Southern African countries.
- Description: Abstract: Africa is a patriarchal society where men dominate those sectors that are considered masculine. Sport is traditionally considered a masculine activity, hence it still creates gender segregation; side-lining women from participating in sport activities and being represented in sport management structures. The aim of this article is to explore the status of gender equality in the sport sector in the Southern African context. The following 10 countries constitute African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Following a multidisciplinary research perspective, the author conducted a literature survey, document analysis, and desktop review of the challenges and realities of gender equality in the sport sector covering selected AUSC Region 5 countries in Southern Africa. Utilising a qualitative research approach, this article explores the need for gender equality in the sport sector. The findings confirm that although there is a gender-biased approach in the sport sector that can lead to social and economic development of society, it can be a platform to empower girls and women; however, a stereotypical mentality, socioeconomic barriers, and cultural norms still restrict female participation and representation in sport-related activities and processes. This article discusses these challenges and offers solutions for improvement. The article discusses that there are transformative changes in the world that force social inclusion of women in all aspects of life, including sports. These transformative changes require governments and sports organisations to reform their policies to make them more gender inclusive. This is an aspect of ongoing debates in country-specific contexts.
- Full Text:
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