Women’s access to and use of the mobile telephone in Western Kenya
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Date
2010-10Author
Musoko, Joyce N
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The purpose of this study was to establish the levels of access and use of mobile phones by
women living and carrying out business on Mayanja market in Bungoma South district. By
examining the benefits and challenges that these women face in access and use of the mobile
phone, the study was able to come out with recommendations on what steps should be put in
place to enhance these benefits.
The study adopted an exploratory survey using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions with
the women and one key informant interview with the area chief. The data was analyzed using the
Ms-Excel computer software application package and the results presented in tables of
frequencies as well as graphs.
The study showed that women have lower basic literacy levels and more so in technical literacy
and that the use of the mobile phone by women is principally hampered by lack of fiscal
resources and the low literacy levels. The cost of handsets is a challenge to some of the users and
that to many women in the rural areas the cost of phone airtime is way above their capacity due
to lack of disposable incomes.
The study results show that attempts at disseminating information using the mobile phone
services need more awareness creation and training, and instituting measures to make the phones
more accessible and easy to use by the rural women.
It is evident from the study that increased access and informed use of the mobile phone will lead
to empowerment of women. Subsequently, this will lead to increased participation of women in
sustainable development and overall improvement of livelihoods. It is only then that the mobile
phone can be embraced as a developmental resource.
Citation
Masters of Arts Degree In Gender and Development studiesPublisher
University of Nairobi Department of Arts in Gender and Development studies
Description
A research project submitted to the Institute of
Anthropology,
Gender and African studies in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Arts in
Gender and Development Studies of the University of Nairobi