KITEs: The Case of First Women IT Micro Enterprises in Kerala

Abstract

This paper is based on a study which captures the formation of a genderinclinedGovernment Information Communication Technology (ICT)programme of Kerala. Kerala is considered one of the most developedsouthern states of India, known for its unsurpassed place in various HumanDevelopment Indices. The study illustrates the targeted development ofwomen through Kudumbasree, utilizing ICT as a priority for theachievement of sustainable development. The programme was named theKudumbashree IT Enterprises (KITEs). The paper has also tried toelucidate the structural situations which prevailed in Kerala during theformation of KITEs. Data was collected from the 63 Kudumbashree ITenterprises in the state of Kerala. Group discussions were employed togenerate data. The study is focussed around the only existing governmentICT programme for women in Kerala known for its unprecedented schemesand innovative policies which led to a huge impact on the power of choiceexercised by women during 1990s.