Gender and Public Access Computing: An International Perspective

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and public access to computers with Internet connectivity in particular, can assist community development efforts and help bridge the so-called digital divide. However, use of ICT may not be the same for women as it is for men. Technical, social and cultural barriers exacerbate women's exclusion from the benefits of ICT for development. This paper is based on a qualitative analysis of the benefits of ICT and the barriers facing women to fully realize those benefits, particularly through public access places such as libraries, telecenters and cybercafés. We describe individual benefits such as increased self-esteem, reduced isolation, access to markets, empowerment and access to health information. We also describe collective benefits such as economic growth, improved health and education, capacity building and cultural transformation. Finally, we discuss barriers that are particularly significant to women such as location, infrastructure and connectivity; time and money; lack of relevant content; low education and literacy; and social norms and perceptions. This paper draws from reports of a larger study of public access venues in 25 developing countries around the world, which are publicly available online. 1.

Does Gender Matter? University Library Access and Career Preparedness

“…It is possible that library orientation sessions would make them feel more empowered. The benefits of using technology available in the library should be described to women because of how women use libraries and technology available within them (Fidishun, 2007;Terry & Gomez, 2011). Differentiated workshops based on gender or learning styles may provide training options that are attractive to both genders.…”

Characteristics and factors that differentiate Internet users and non-users as information seekers

“…However, there were also fewer women (2%) compared to men using the Internet in developed countries (International Telecommunication Union, 2013). This gender digital divide is largely caused by a wide range of technical, socio-economic and political factors, attitudes and cultural beliefs (Broadband Commission for Digital Development, 2015;Terry and Gomez, 2011). It is therefore important to understand women's information needs and Internet-based information seeking behavior to empower women to respond to their development challenges.…”

Evaluating the Role of Face-to-Face Residencies in Cross-National, Accessible Cyberlearning

“…In designing this cyberlearning environment the digital divide plaguing ASEAN and most developing countries had to be considered [19]; [21]; [28]; [43]; [49]. To accommodate varying Internet bandwidth a blended approach to content delivery was adopted, which included both synchronous and/or asynchronous options [6]; [8]; [14]; [29]; [41]; [42]; [44]; [45]; [46]; [48].…”