Bridges

13.01.2004 Bridges.org is currently conducting a comparison study of open source and proprietary software. The study aims to objectively examine the ground level realities and implications of both options in an African context, to inform decision-making and optimise community access to ICT. The study will produce unbiased and substantive background information, analysis of the key factors that affect choices, and practical guidance for decision-makers about the two software options.

03.12.2003 The Women's Information Resource Electronic Service (WIRES) is an Internet-based Information Resource Centre designed to provide relevant business information to women in Uganda with the goal of empowering small-scale entrepreneurs. The project is implemented by The Council for the Economic Empowerment for Women of Africa (CEEWA) - Uganda Chapter. The WIRES initiative is creating telecentres and training women in Uganda to use ICT for accessing financial credit, marketing, and getting business tips. CEEWA-Uganda employs local people to manage the telecentres and provides computer-training courses on CD-ROM.

07.10.2003 The Cape Town city council undertook a study in South Africa to find if its citizens and communities were using information and communication technologies for development. The study found a wide digital divide in the city and also that a majority of the people do not have phones and access to a computer.

08.09.2003 The Cape Town city council undertook a study in South Africa to find if its citizens and communities were using information and communication technologies for development. The study found a wide digital divide in the city and also that a majority of the people do not have phones and access to a computer.

08.09.2003 As the South African government considers wider provision of wireless internet access, one civil society leader cautions that efforts to foster socio-economic development do not entrench or deepen inequalities.