Women’s access to and use of the mobile telephone in Western Kenya

Abstract

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.