addressing issues of convergence and harmonisation of ICT infrastructure, regulatory framework and services. The licensing regime should provide for network neutrality so as to enable licensees to seamlessly provide the necessary services required by their customers. 17.1 Policy Statements: Establish an Institutional Framework for Convergence a) Streamline functions of existing regulatory and administrative institutions by establishing institutional mechanisms to co-ordinate inter-organisational planning, policymaking and implementation of strategies to develop ICTs, taking into account the convergence of audiovisual services, broadcasting, telecommunications, postal and courier services and on-line computer services. b) Take legislative measures to ensure that there is an integrated and autonomous regulatory body in the ICT sector as a way of dealing with issues of convergence. c) Enact legislation dealing specifically with digital data protection matters and cyber security. 18 Marginalised Persons The interest of men and women, youths, children, disabled people, the elderly, Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) feature in all the sectors of the economy and the social and political life of the nation. Gender mainstreaming is a strategy to ensure that concerns and experiences of both men and women are integrated into the design and implementation of ICT programmes so that all benefit equally. Youths and children constitute a high proportion of ICT users and opportunities should be created to ensure their full participation. Studies indicate that the elderly respond slowly to change and shun the use of new technologies. ICTs should be developed in such a way as to accommodate this demography with emphasis on accessibility. 18.1 Policy Statements: Develop ICT Policy to Cater for Marginalised People a) Ensure gender equality and equity in access to and use of ICTs. b) Bridge the digital divide in relation to men and women, the youths, elderly, disabled people and OVC by promoting sector specific policies that promote the effective use of ICTs. c) Create opportunities for youths and children in the development and use of ICTs, particularly in content development, education, employment and income generation. d) Create opportunities to involve the participation of youths, children and OVC in the design, implementation and use of ICT programmes. e) Ensure affordable access to ICTs by people living with disabilities and people with special needs. 19 e-Commerce e-Commerce is the buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks. Electronic commerce draws on such technologies as electronic funds transfer, supply chain management, Internet marketing, online transaction 33