Across the world, ICTs have created new possibilities of employment and helped overcome traditional barriers for many women to enter the formal market economy. More women are taking up new opportunities for economic and social development, with far-reaching implications for household, community and market relations. There are plenty of reasons for optimism about the development of ICTs and the benefits that may accrue especially for the poorest and most vulnerable.[9]
The example of the “Info lady” a technology based profession, is a concept developed by D.Net that champions the use of ICT for the economic development in Bangladesh. Anyone is able to become an info person, but women are strongly encouraged as it will be easier for them to enter homes and build relationships with the women who reside there.
An info lady possesses a laptop or classmate computer, Internet modem, headphone, webcam, digital camera, photo printer and a mobile phone giving her access to a whole host of livelihood information at a fast and cheap rate. D.Net found that with access to a bundle of services the ladywill become a “telecentre” herself. Help line service (expert's opinions), commercial phone service, photography service, livelihood information and knowledge service, international and local voice call service, video and animation service, and internet-based information service are amongst the tools provided by an info lady. Through analysis it has been found that the villagers who are interested in the technology and the services are more likely to better their livelihoods. By providing these services, some rural women are able to gain employment and thepoor villagers, particularly women, are able to take advantage of new technologies, which are not accessible to them through more traditional delivery models. [4]
