Acknowledgements

It is said that ideas lead to great innovation and the genesis of this publication has its roots in discussions held between Ria Greyling and Ashraf Patel in February 2005. It is amazing that this led to a whole process that gathered momentum as we were joined by like-minded people from Women’s`Net. Soon, we had convened our “dream team” of dedicated and passionate colleagues who made this publication a reality.

We are indebted to many individuals and organisations. Without their many contributions and insights, and ongoing encouragement, this book would not have been possible.

First and foremost, we thank all those authors who freely gave their enthusiasm, time and expertise to this publication. We have attempted, as much as possible, to ensure that the spirit of all the contributors lives on in the final version. There are also numerous individuals who participated in the process of researching and developing the content and, while their inputs may not be visible here, we appreciate their time, effort and sound judgement.

We are grateful to the members of the editorial advisory committee: Muroro Dziruni, Toni Eliasz, Ria Greyling, Eric Muragana, Benter Okello and Natasha Primo who read early drafts of the content and offered many valuable comments and criticisms. We are futher indebted to staff members at Women’sNet and OSISA, who provided valuable strategic advice and administrative support.

Thanks are also due to Nicola Spurr, who gently but thoroughly edited the text, and Limeblue Design, who created the book’s innovative design and managed the production process, despite a tight deadline.

Finallly, we are grateful to the Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa who provided the funding to make this publication possible.

Acknowledgements

Ashraf Patel, ICT Programme Officer, OSISA.

Ashraf Patel,
ICT Programme Officer, OSISA.