Abstract
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly being recognised as vital tools with regards to the social inclusion of women. Specifically, we investigate the effect of mobile phone use on the social inclusion of women in Nigeria. Our study focuses on what these women are able to achieve with their mobile phones and the implication of these achievements on their ability to effectively participate in the society. We draw on a qualitative ethnographic study of resettled northern women in the southern city of Lagos to understand how mobile phone use contributes to their social inclusion. From our analysis, we derive valuable capabilities such as to generate income, to be financially included, to maintain social relationships and to seek relevant information, that are enabled for these women through mobile phone use. However, the realisation of these capabilities is dependent upon personal, social and environmental conditions. We illustrate how women exercise their agency to use mobile phones in ways that enhance their wellbeing and overall effective participation in this new society. Our findings contribute to the discourse on the role of ICT in the process of social inclusion for women.
