Interdisciplinary Seminar:
Women and the Information Society
Convener: Pieke Hoekstra, the Netherlands

Challenges and Threats for Mexican Women as Agents of Change.
Cecilia Imaz and Margarita Almada, Mexican Federation of University Women

Our analysis of the labour context for Mexican women, focussing on their achievements, obstacles and opportunities makes a direct link to the development of an Information Society, in which the best opportunities are for those with access to the advanced technologies. Gender and social inequality in Mexico negatively affect such access for a large proportion of the population. Some policies and programmes for bridging the gap towards an “including” Information Society as opposed to the current “excluding” Information Society are reviewed and viable lines of action are proposed. As contribution to these purposes, NGO’s have played an important role in promoting gender issues and addressing core topics dealing with inequality, discrimination and injustice.

Current Government policy programmes, mainly on family violence, health and empowerment of women, are carried out by the National Institute of Women as well as State Institutes and Departments. Local Human Rights Commissions and numerous NGOs have focussed on issues such as reproductive rights, SME developments, micro credits, shelters for victims of family violence.

Examination of the effects of policies and programmes suggest that in Mexican society there are two contradictory forces: one driven by women who, as agents of change, have achieved a certain level of empowerment, and one –conservative and “macho” oriented - that goes against bridging the gender gap.

Margarita Almada Navarro followed a degree in Biochemistry from the National University of Mexico (UNAM) with a PhD in Information Science from City University, London. As a Researcher at the Centre for Library and Information Sciences (UNAM) she focuses on information policy and higher education. She is also a Senior Lecturer in Information Management and Planning at the Library School of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters. Her publications are extensive. A m ember of the Mexican Federation of University Women (FEMU) since 1990 she is a past President and international Vice- President. Since 1990 she has actively participated in promoting equality for women through diverse actions.