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Rapid changes in ways of communicating, the many new aspects of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), the explosive growth of the Internet and the increasingly networked nature of every society have created a new electronic landscape - the Information Society. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) facilitate on an unprecedented scale: exchange of information and ideas, enhanced understanding and cooperation between peoples in all corners of the world and access to information on a global scale. This has implications for IFUW, its national affiliates and members on many levels. Since the Yokohama Conference in 1995, IFUW has been involved in a profound transformation towards a more knowledge-intensive and interdependent global organization. Developing a successful organization for the digital age in communication is important for our work at the international, national and local levels. IFUW is committed to the right of women and girls to reach their full potential through education. In the 21st Century education includes being literate in electronic communication. To help create an accessible and equitable information society, IFUW has an important role to play in encouraging women to become agents of change in owning, designing, using and adapting ICTs.
In the Plan of Action arising from the first phase of
the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), held in Geneva in
December 2003, eleven action lines were identified. IFUW members can be
involved in promoting many of these actions to ensure that women have
the skills to be equal partners and benefit from the Information Society. Under the WSIS Goals there are numerous suggestions for actions that will promote the benefits of the information society to all aspects of life. This includes the potential to support sustainable development across government, business, health, employment, the environment, science and agriculture. The importance of the new information and communication technologies in developing global partnerships for sustainable develop is also recognized in the United Nations's Millenium Goals. ICTs have the potential to assist the development of respect for cultural and linguistic diversity which, with an improved understanding of economic and social factors, is essential for promoting sustainable development. The success of the initial phase of the WSIS will be measured by the number of initiatives that are implemented. For IFUW this is an opportunity to promote the benefits of ICTs by encouraging cooperation and networking and providing support and understanding among women and girls and seeking solutions that are appropriate to a diverse range of environments.
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International Federation of University Women 10 rue du Lac CH-1207 Geneva, Switzerland Tel: (41.22) 731 23 80 Fax: (41.22) 738 04 40 E-mail: info@ifuw.org |
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