Women empowerment in rural areas through the usage of telecentres - a Sri Lankan case study

Information and Communication Technologies can have a strong impact on the development of a region: telecentre networks are in particular interesting model for e-learning dissemination to rural areas. The focus area of our investigation is Sri Lanka: the country has a long tradition in terms of gender equality - as it promotes an inclusive education system - and the use of ICTs is widespread. So far 600 of the planned 1000 telecentres have been started following the Nenasala network model. This paper is based upon observations and interviews of women and men working in different roles (owner, manager, operator and user) at telecentres in rural Sri Lanka. The aim of the study is to analyze and discuss the role of telecentres in rural areas and their impact on women empowerment. Findings show that telecentres open up new channels of information and create career opportunities for women in rural areas. Through telecentres, women can improve their life and be active participants in the rural development. However there still exists a need for further improvements and support for females in the Sri Lankan telecentre network.