Mobile phones & literacy: empowerment in women's hands

Book excerpt: Despite the advancements made by Information and Communication Technologies in several international development sectors, further evidence is needed on how mobile phone technology is reaching women, improving their learning, and providing them with new opportunities and better living conditions. Can mobile phones develop womens literacy and strengthen their capability to choose and benefit from wider educational, social and decent work opportunities that can improve their lives? Based on a cross-analysis of nine mobile learning projects in three world regions, this publication sheds light on the extent to which mobile phones can enhance womens literacy and lead to their empowerment. The challenges encountered among the nine projects reviewed and the recommendations derived from these experiences provide a way forward for policy-makers and practitioners in the conceptualization and implementation of quality mobile learning as part of womens human development.