Researching ICT-based enterprise for women in developing countries: a livelihoods perspective

Arun, Shoba ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2950-3157, Heeks, Richard and Morgan, Sharon (2004) Researching ICT-based enterprise for women in developing countries: a livelihoods perspective. Working Paper. Department for International Development (UK).

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Abstract

A livelihoods approach to ICT-based enterprise should provide insights of particular relevance to issues such as vulnerability, sustainability and impact; especially in relation to those ICT-based enterprises that touch upon the lives of the poor. Although the livelihoods approach is, in its simplest form, gender-neutral, gendered perspectives have been incorporated into the livelihoods approach in this paper. The paper first examines the key components of the Sustainable Livelihoods framework drawing mainly from the DFID and UNDP approaches. It then proceeds to apply the framework in relation to ICT-based enterprises for women in Section B. Section C tries to draw a draft framework for research integrating gender, technology and enterprises within the 'Livelihoods Analysis' approach (used here synonymously with 'SL approach'). Finally, the paper raises some particular issues in relation to researching enterprise and ICTs in the context of sustainable livelihoods.