Found in translation : effective translation of the needs of rural women for social support services delivered through ICT

Abstract

A field study was performed in a rural community in the Limpopo province, South Africa. The aim of the field study was to find an approach to effectively translate the needs of rural women for information about social support services provided through ICT. Sen’s capability approach framed the study with the Capability Approach Framework used to analyse the results. The results of the study confirmed the need of the rural women for access to relevant information; indicated an acceptance of the concept to use cell phones as the ICT commodity to access information; and demonstrated the conceptual journey of the participants’ agency role, from standard of living to agency. An approach based on the amended Capability Approach Framework is suggested to effectively translate the needs of rural women for information about social support services provided through ICT: a) Assess the agency role of the participants at the beginning and conclusion of the study b) Build the appropriate interventions c) Consider the conversion factors d) Define the capabilities applicable to the study and affected through the study The limited time spent with the participants and the restricted nature of this study are not supportive of a detailed and comprehensive map to the Capability Approach Framework. Further research with the study design based on the Capability Approach Framework, adapted with the agency role, is recommended.