Stories about Development from December, 2009
ICT4D for Women: Opportunities and Risks
Mobile phones present opportunities for development as well as risks for further abuse and marginalization of women. Gender awareness is crucial when it comes to using ICT for development.
Slovakia: Controversial Politician Opposes Construction of a Casino
TriGranit, one of Europe's largest property developers, in cooperation with Harrah's Entertainment, the world's largest gaming company, are to build a leisure and shopping complex with a casino in Slovakia. Tibor Blazko translates some of what Slovak netizens have to say about one of the critics of this construction project.
M-banking: Going where no bank has gone before
Millions and millions of low-income, unbanked people stand to benefit (and maybe prosper?) from the development of mobile financial services in the next years, but there are several technological, logistical, and security challenges that must be addressed first.
Dominican Republic: Factory in Los Haitises to be Relocated
Complying with a briefing by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with the demands of public protests of the Dominican community, the cement factory that was planned to be built in the protected area of Los Haitises National Park will be relocated.
Gross National Happiness: Bring It Home To Roost
Upon the conclusion of the 5th conference on Gross National Happiness (GNH) in Brazil, Bhutanese bloggers share their views on how the concept seems to be taken more seriously in places other than Bhutan, where the concept was originally coined.
Africa: 25% of TED Fellows represent Africa
25% of people participating in TED Fellowship Program represent the African continent, writes Erik.
Kosovo: Coal Imports
A Fistful of Euros writes about Kosovo's need to import coal from elsewhere, despite having “the world’s fifth largest reserve” itself.
Arab World: Reactions to the Swiss Ban on Minarets
On Sunday, November 29, 57.5% of Swiss voters approved a ban on the construction of new minarets atop mosques, paving the way for a constitutional amendment. The ban has sparked mixed reactions throughout the Arab and Muslim blogospheres: While some bloggers are outraged, others make the point that banning minarets does not hinder practicing the faith.
