In Bangladesh, even the most remote rural areas benefit from information technology, thanks to an innovative concept favouring entrepreneurship over charity.

Sometimes, you have to take the mountain to

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Mohammed. Just ask iSocial, a groundbreaking programme that involves entrepreneurs delivering vital information and services to isolated communities throughout Bangladesh. In a gender-defying feat, the entrepreneurs are tech-savvy young women—who travel on bicycles.

The programme’s roots go back to 2004, when Dnet, a nonprofit that uses information and communication technology for economic development, set up several Rural Information Centres. Villagers had to make their way to the centres, leading organisers to wonder: Why not save them the trip? The idea for “Mobile Ladies” was born: Women with cell phones began going village to village on bicycles, disseminating information, gathering questions and giving answers.

Meanwhile, information technology was spreading throughout the world but largely bypassing Bangladesh—even today, only 38 percent of the population has internet access. So in 2008, the Mobile Ladies became Infoladies. Armed with smart phones, laptops, digital cameras and USB sticks, they give people in rural areas the opportunity to connect with the world. They also dish out advice on health and agriculture, and help villagers access government entitlements.

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