| Short
Summary |
| Title |
Overcoming the Gender Digital Divide:
Understanding ICTs and their Potential for the Empowerment of Women
|
| Author |
Huyer, S. and Sikoska, T. |
| Publication Date |
April 2003 |
| Publisher |
United Nations International Research and
Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) |
| Short Summary
|
The "gender digital divide" is used to describe
the existing inequalities and biases in access to and use of
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by women and men.
The fact that ICTs have so far been predominantly designed and
created within male-dominated environments and that ICT policies are
usually formulated by male policy-makers has contributed to this
divide. Yet ICTs, when appropriately harnessed, also hold great
potential for women's empowerment on an individual level (better
self-esteem, increased confidence and more career opportunities) as
well as on a collective level (improving their advocacy, lobbying
and networking activities). This paper synthesizes major research
findings contained in the five background papers commissioned by the
United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the
Advancement of Women (UN INSTRAW). The report explores the leading
approaches to maximising the potential of ICTs for women's
empowerment, examines the social context of technology, and
identifies the main structural barriers to women's access and use of
ICTs. Strategies are proposed to overcome these barriers and empower
women through ICTs. Priority among them is the need for women's
groups to share experiences and knowledge to strengthen their
lobbying skills, and to gain expertise in engendering the ICT
policy-making and regulation process. |
| Complete Document |
 View PostScript Document (pdf) |
| |
|
