Unless I'm mistaken, that still doesn't sound like it would actually help the people that they claim that need it. You can't put physical cash into the mobile banking. [Well at least without using a transaction service, which would tack on fees]
> Are there legitimate needs for a cellphone in their life? > Do you have legitimate needs for a cellphone in your life? > For a wallet, credit and debit cards?
We're talking about different cultures. They've survived and accomplished life goals without a cellphone in their life. Could I go without a cellphone? Absolutely. I could go to a landline. But thats not the point here.
> A cellular phone will help someone learn a fair price for their crop, good, or service, and allow them to contact buyers. This will do more for their income than a suit. But access to cellphones and mobile money doesn't just benefit people by increasing income. Giving women the ability to make purchases has listed benefits in the article:
You're making an assumption that they will use the phone in the best case. To call someone over a fair price.... but you have to know those people in the first place. To further drive this point home: If you were buying a car, who would you call to compare prices? (Using internet services on your phone won't count for this.. as that in this culture it would be a new concept to find others in the market via a mobile)
> "Women spend money differently from men. They tend to invest more in the health and well-being of their families — as much as 10 times more. They give priority to spending on health care, nutritious food and education. A child born in a household where the mother controls the family budget is 20 percent more likely to survive — and much more likely to thrive."
That sounds like a gender based stereotype.