Photo: Mamaila Community Network
In my observation, access to technology and essential services like education, health care and service delivery is primarily concentrated in urban areas across Africa. The situation is markedly different in rural or remote communities, where the absence of socioeconomic and political infrastructure creates significant barriers to accessing basic rights. Internet connectivity, as a fundamental right, should be available to all individuals regardless of gender, religion or ethnicity. However, rural communities face significant challenges in gaining this access, which is critical for addressing their unique needs and demands. Often neglected by the government, these communities also lack the knowledge and capacity to advocate for their rights effectively. Furthermore, cultural norms in many areas disproportionately limit women's participation in decision making, exacerbating the digital divide and its impact on them.
As the world becomes increasingly advanced and technology takes centre stage, rural communities remain unserved and underserved, limiting their ability to participate in the modern world. From my perspective, addressing these challenges requires empowering local communities to identify their needs and build the capacity to develop and manage solutions that work for them. Community-driven initiatives can play a significant role in rural development by providing affordable and reliable internet access, fostering local industries, and enabling residents to address their unique challenges while amplifying their voices in critical decision-making processes.
This article draws inspiration from the story of a remarkable woman from a rural part of South Africa who empowered her community to take bold steps toward digital transformation. Kgoposto Magoro is from the rural town of Mamaila in Limpopo Province, South Africa. She embarked on a transformative journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of hope and digital inclusion in her community. Her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of bridging the long-standing digital divide in her community.
While growing up in Mamaila, Kgopotso lived without modern infrastructure, with no access to roads, schools, clinics, hospitals or computers. The internet was an alien concept in her village. At 19, she encountered technology for the first time after leaving her village for higher education. Kgopotso’s initial experience with the computer was both fascinating and challenging, but her curiosity and determination propelled her forward. During an internship with the government communication department, Kgopotso was introduced to the internet, which opened a new world of possibilities. This experience ignited her dream of bringing digital advancement back to her roots.
Despite numerous challenges, including high cost and limited access, Kgopotso pursued her master's degree, focusing on rural connectivity. This academic journey laid the foundation for her vision of creating a community network in Mamaila. In 2019, Kgopotso’s goal began to take shape with the inception of the Mamaila Community Network. The network operates on a community-owned model, providing residents with affordable and reliable internet access. Recognising the need for collaboration, she partnered with relevant stakeholders in her community to secure the necessary licenses and support which led to the launching of networks in 2022 that connect over 3,000 devices across her village using six Wi-Fi hotspots.
The Mamaila Community Network has empowered women in the community by providing education, access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. As a village that suffered from apartheid, women often managed households but lacked opportunities for their personal growth and financial independence. The community network initiative became a symbol of resilience and solidarity, because it has inspired women to take on leadership roles and influence decisions in the community.
As a digital inclusion advocate, the story resonates deeply with my reality as a Nigerian woman advocating for women's and girls' rights to access digital space in communities where women are affected by cultural norms that limit their participation in decision making as well as influencing decisions in their communities. Just like Mamaila, rural communities in Nigeria face systemic neglect, compounded by cultural norms that hinder women's participation in technology development and usage. The challenges that Kgopotso overcame mirror those I encountered while working to bridge the gender digital divide in Nigeria.
Kgopotso’s determination to confront infrastructural gaps and societal barriers is the source of inspiration for my work. In Nigeria, empowering women with technical skills, advocating for gender-sensitive policies, and engaging stakeholders to address the unique challenges faced by underserved women are central to my efforts. The impact of Kgopotso’s work strengthened my belief that when women lead, they can bring transformative change to their communities, given that gender inclusion is not just beneficial but essential to our lives.
The journey of birthing the community network in South Africa reminds me of the power of community-driven initiatives and the need for solidarity among women. Kgopotso’s ability to unite her community and foster a sustainable model for connectivity reinforces the importance of grassroots advocacy. Like her, I worked with marginalised communities by creating platforms where women can reclaim digital space, and ensuring no woman is left behind in the march toward overcoming digital marginalisation and promoting digital inclusion of women in Nigeria.
The journey from transforming a rural unconnected village to a digitally connected community is an inspiring tale of resilience and vision. The effort has led thousands of people to get connected to the internet. It empowers women and fosters a spirit of solidarity among communities. It is also a beacon of hope for the Mamaila community and beyond, as it illustrates how local knowledge and determination can drive transformative change. The story serves as a powerful reminder that when women are given the opportunity and support, they can shape a future where access to technology is a right enjoyed by all.
Harira Wakili is a gender and digital rights advocate, dedicated to promoting digital inclusion and literacy. She serves as the Africa regional gender coordinator for the Local Networks Initiative (LocNet) with the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).