Interdisciplinary Seminar:
Women and the Information Society
Convener: Pieke Hoekstra, the Netherlands
Empowerment of women through ICT
Jyoti Sharma, Indian Federation of University Women’s Associations
Full and effective participation in the emerging global information network is of fundamental importance for any country wanting to avoid marginalisation from the globalisation process. It is also essential for the full participation of its citizens in all spheres of life. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can contribute to the integration of developed and developing societies in the world economy and can create conditions for information and knowledge exchange and utilisation. ICTs offer tremendous potential to raise standards of living and enlarge opportunities for individuals, communities, countries and regions. While many in the world still remain directly untouched by the information revolution, one can't deny the transformative effect they already had on our global society.
The potential of ICT for stimulating economic growth, socio-economic development and effective governance is well recognize, but the benefits of ICT have been unevenly distributed, resulting in differences in resources and capabilities to access and effectively utilise ICT. This paper seeks to reflect on ICT as a tool for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women in terms of access and use, capacity- building opportunities and employment. Poverty, lack of opportunities, illiteracy and language barriers have always prevented women from using ICT, including the internet. What is essentially required is -
- A gender perspective in all ICT initiatives
- Monitoring the progress of women in access to the benefits of ICT
- Capacity - building in education and employment
- Women's participation in e-democracy through electronic connectivity.
Dr. Jyoti Sharma , M.Phil, PhD, is a Reader in the Department of Political Science at Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, India.