The challenges rural women face in using Telecentres: The case of the Eastern Cape Province

Abstract

Shared Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities such as telecentres offer people opportunities to access digital technologies that may facilitate socio-economic development. This is particularly important in rural areas where the citizens are less likely to own technologies. However, despite a huge investment in such interventions, developing countries have not fully realised the benefits. In particular, due to a myriad of social factors, women in rural areas seem to benefit the least from such interventions. The aim of the paper is to explore the challenges rural women face in using telecentres. The study employed a qualitative approach and was based on an interpretivism paradigm. Data for the study came from both secondary sources and semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted with women in two Eastern Cape rural towns. The challenges which limited the usage of telecentres were grouped into: (1) institutional, (i.e. financial sustainability, staff shortage, poor ICT infrastructure, location, lack of awareness), and (2) community challenges (perception, operational times, affordability, lack of ICT skills). The study concludes that through awareness; improvement of ICT capacity (infrastructure and literacy); and women empowerment in terms of ICT; use of telecentres can be successfully integrated in rural communities. The findings of the study may be used by those seeking to improve the impact of telecentres in rural areas, especially on women.