Stakeholder groups

A total of 17 interviews with representative sample of the various relevant stakeholder groups were conducted, to obtain a holistic understanding of the relevant issues. (See Appendix 5 for details of stakeholder group interviewees). This is because action research places an emphasis on making systematic inquiry about everyone with a stake in the issues under study (Stringer 2007, p. 6). The details of these interviewees are as follows:

4.2.3.1.2.1 Representatives of NGOs, micro finance institutions, and community welfare societies

Six (06) interviews were conducted with participants drawn from office bearers of NGOs; micro finance institutions; and village welfare societies who oversee the welfare of women in the two DS divisions of the study. These institutions mainly provide the necessary training and guidance for self-employment and for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) about book keeping, local languages, financial assistance and information on legal issues. Some provide micro credit loans to women as required, such as for housing, employment, children’s education and even to buy mobile phones and other household equipment such as gas cookers, refrigerators etc. on the agreement of regular repayment of the loan and interest in monthly instalments. These loans are analogous to the micro loans offered by the Grameen Bank in

Bangladesh that uses the same principle of small groups of women working together for self-improvement and empowerment (Rahman 2001).

All these participants were Presidents of their respective institutions with two being politically active. They were middle aged women; three Sinhalese, two Tamils and one Muslim. Because of their higher levels of social capital, many became key local informants for this study. They were interviewed about the general objectives of their organisations, projects and training programs designed to empower women- especially those aimed at improving the use and ownership of mobile phones and other ICTs. They were also asked about their views, experiences and opinions on female use of mobile phones in their communities. (See Appendix 6 for interview schedule). 4.2.3.1.2.2 Mobile handset vendors and agents

A total of four (04) participants from the stakeholder group of mobile handset vendors and agents from the research sites were interviewed. All four were men between youth and middle age. Three had their own shops and one of them was the agent for Samsung mobile handset brands in the Trincomalee District. The remaining one was an agent for LG Abans- a franchised business chain for electronic and communication equipment.

They were interviewed on the mobile handset-buying habits and user behaviours of the local population- especially women in the area. This included the purchase and user behaviours regarding external accessories of mobile handsets (e.g. hands-free devices, phone covers, screen stickers, back covers etc.); their operating systems and features (e.g. music and song uploads, Internet browsers etc.); and other services such as mobile unlocking, SIM adjustments, repairs to mobile phones of both men and women. They were further asked about the processes followed when selling mobile handsets and how they as vendors obtain the handsets to be sold in their shops. E.g. From local agents, from overseas via personal contacts. (See Appendix 7 for interview schedule).

4.2.3.1.2.3 Mobile SIM card dealers and mobile payment service providers

Two (02) female participants from this stakeholder group were interviewed, selecting one from each DS division. They offer both pre-paid and post-paid services and were authorised to sell SIM cards. They were asked about the available mobile payment methods, SIM card buying behaviours of their customers- especially women-

and the procedures followed when registering SIM cards. Their experiences as female mobile service providers and views and opinions on female mobile users were also sought. Additionally, they were asked about the incentives such as commissions, special deals and training they are offered by MNOs- especially as female mobile service providers in a rural area. (See Appendix 8 for interview schedule).

4.2.3.1.2.4 Mobile network operators - MNOs (regional and national levels)

Three (03) participants representing mobile network providers, both at regional and national levels in Sri Lanka were interviewed. One interview was conducted with the Senior Service Centre Supervisor and the Area Manager of Dialog Axiata, the leading MNO in the area. Two other planned regional level interviews had to be cancelled as they were not granted permission to participate in the study as per by their institutional policy. Two national level interviews could be conducted as planned with the Corporate Communication Manager of Dialog Axiata and the Head of VAS of Mobitel (Pvt.) Ltd. - the top two leading MNOs in the country. These national level interviews were carried out in the capital, Colombo.

These representatives were interviewed about their new service initiatives, improvements available and the present status and trends of their sales figures at District and national levels. They were also asked about their programs; packages and VAS; training programs on mobile features and facilities; and how the companies have created employment and other opportunities for women- especially FHHs- such as to become their sub agents to sell SIM cards; and other programs introduced as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. (See Appendix 9 for interview schedule).

4.2.3.1.2.5 Telecommunication Policymakers and Regulators

An interview was conducted with the Deputy Director –Compliance (Surveillance & Quality of Service) of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) to learn about the current statuses of mobile communications in the country; steps taken for the future development in the mobile industry; and the challenges faced at the regulatory level due to rapid developments in mobile technologies and services. (See Appendix 10 for interview schedule).

4.2.3.1.2.6 Researchers and experts on mobile phones, gender & ICTs

An interview was conducted with the Senior Research Manager of LIRNEasia (A non- profit organisation dedicated to regional ICT policy and regulation) as they conduct research locally and in the Asia Pacific region with special emphasis on South Asia, about policies and regulatory procedures that impact the adoption of mobile phones, and their use among people of Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP); and marginalised populations. This interview facilitated gathering information on policy and regulatory aspects that affect the mobile industry; current trends in mobile phone use; and its adoption by women and its role in women’s empowerment, on the marginalised in society and overall development of the country. (See Appendix 11 for interview schedule).