This work explores the interplay between informationand communication technology (ICT) and the engagementof women in facilitating social, political andeconomic development in traditional poor, rural, communities of Mali, a least developed country. Thisresearch applies international regime theory anddevelopment as freedom theory to help explain how ICTdiffusion with gender equity enhances development forwomen, family and therefore the nation. TheMultipurpose Community Telecentre (MCT) in Timbuktuserves as a model for rural ICT development. Womenparticipated in the design, implementation andoperation of this MCT. The community open accessdesign was found to be particularly conducive to ICTdevelopment through women's social networking.Research indicates women are keepers of indigenousknowledge systems in cultural communities. Thecountry data strongly suggest positive anddirectional change in Mali during 1990 to 2000, aperiod of dynamic telecommunications and genderequity policy liberalization. This research found ICTapplications helped facilitate positive change inhealth, education, politics and the economy in Mali.