MCB: As our topic is the intersection of ICTs, violence against women ( VAW) and privacy, can you describe the ICT environment in the DRC?

FM: Internet penetration is very low. We can't afford to have personal PCs in our homes nor have a mobile connection even if we have laptops. Most of the time, people in big cities rely on cyber-cafes where the connection is low and most of the computers are old. The Internet service providers (ISPs) to population ratio is very low and the ISPs are concentrated in Kinshasa. The ISPs here all use satellite and expensive technology and the custom tariffs on electronics is very high.

Access to ICTs is a development issue that social movement actors in the DRC are promoting. Internet connectivity might improve now because mobile telephone companies are providing General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). But then, you need an expensive smart phone to access this service and you need to know how to use it. Language is another issue as most of this service is not in local language. And people in the villages would still not be able to access Internet unless they come to town.

SN: I agree with Francoise. The Internet is not yet accessible to all in the DRC, not only because of the high cost of Internet surfing in Internet cafes and having Internet connection in offices or homes, but also the cost of equipment. However, the mobile phone is very popular and widely used by people from all walks of life including those who are not literate and those who live in rural areas. Media like radio are also popular in the DRC, and there are many community radio stations that broadcast in local languages. Many people also watch television.