ICT at SEWA had been driven by a clear vision and followed the same path of organizing, capacity building and economic empowerment, like other successful activities at SEWA. There had been general consensus that ICT should be deployed as a leading tool for poverty alleviation. Accordingly, the pace of growth of ICT at SEWA had been hand-in-glove with a shared purpose and a conviction that ICT could lead to a perceptible change in the lives of the poor. SEWA stands out in its exemplary success in communicating the vision of the top management to the members at the grassroots.
Jamuben (village Dhokawada, District Patan) talks about her vision about ICT “For me computers should help me in mywork and benefit all. They can help me manage the flow of materials in a more efficient manner. We can use them to obtain the prices of commodities in various markets. Internet also has the potential to make anyone capable of knowing the world. I will be happy when every girl and boy in the village is happy.”
SEWA had set a target of providing computer training to more than 15,000 rural women in a span of 3 years. The larger plan includes establishing a school of Science and Technology for poor rural and urban informal sector women workers and the science and technology will focus beyond IT, though IT will be the integral point. For the same, SEWA would establish partnerships with IT organizations which could help SEWA members in technical matters.
