Sharing information in Kenya: Communication and information policy considerations and consequences for rural women

This essay examines communication and information policy considerations from the standpoint of Kenyan women, particularly rural women. Present policy and the historical and political context in which discussions have been taking place are reviewed. A 1991 seminar provides an illustration of how women's needs are neglected in discussions. Assuming a commitment to represent women's needs in policy making, I suggest four areas that must be addressed: (1) women's employment in media and information institutions; (2) women's access to useful information through media and information technologies and other forms of communication; (3) representations of women in media and information content; and (4) gender-sensitive criteria in choices of media and in the acquisition of technologies.