Information and Communication Technologies: A Priority for Women

Abstract

The majority of women still do not have access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) which are appropriate to their needs, and neither are they active participants in the process of science and technology development. Women's effective access to information and communication technologies can help them achieve increased participation in production and productivity thereby contribute more to economic development. This article looks at the current situation of women and the digital divide. How can ICTs support social development? How can they be used by women to help meet livelihood needs? After a survey of the current efforts to increase women's access to ICTs, this article concludes that using ICTs to support women's productive activities should be seen as a priority area. 1

The Impact of ICTs on Women’s Economic Empowerment

“…Moreover, ICTs help in creating women's leadership, and participation in community and economic development (Anitha & Sundharavadivel, 2012). Most previous research, based mainly on national case studies, has indicated that ICTs increase employability and thus women's empowerment can be advanced (Arun & Arun, 2002;Hafkin & Taggart, 2001;Huyer & Carr, 2002;Islam, 2015;Kelkar & Nathan, 2002;Njelekela & Sanga, 2015;Shirazi, 2012;Suhaida et al, 2013;Umrani & Ghadially, 2003;Wamala, 2012).…”

Spinning a northern web: Women using information and communication technology to network for health and wellness.

“…Issues related to women's access to and participation In the Internet and other Information and communication technology must he an Integral part o f the strategy. ICT must become a priority for women's political and social action agenda (Harcourt, 2002;Huyer & Carr, 2002;Ines, Munevar, & Arrleta, 2002). A strategy for action must link ICT-related activities, such as building a women's health network, to the goal o f ensuring that all women have the opportunity for access to and participation In ICT and Internet.…”

“…Women have less access to the technology, skills and knowledge required to use ICT (Huyer & Carr, 2002). Women have limited resources necessary to support the use o f the internet including economic resources, adequate time to learn skills and then to use them, equal share o f computer time in the home and appropriate technical support (Pollock & Sutton, 2003).…”

“…The collaborative means that women use to redress issues that impact negatively on women's health and to challenge the structures that reinforce the social and political conditions that allow for poverty, racism, sexism, inequality and oppression, have proved to be effective (Balka, 1997;Harcourt 2002;Winnipeg Consultation Organizing Committee, 1994). Feminist strategies to bring about social and political change provide expertise and experience that inform the process o f using ICT for health and social change (Harcourt, 2002;Hawthorne, 2001;Huyer & Carr, 2002).…”

“…Huyer and Carr (2002) call on women who use ICT in their organizing activities to include an overall goal o f promoting equality in women's access to ICT. Providing and distributing information cannot be expected to create change but rather change occurs as women build capacity to engage in the creation o f new knowledge from the new information they gain (Scott, 2001).…”