Title: Information and communication technologies for women's socio-economic empowerment
Authors: Samia Melhem and Nidhi Tandon
Pages: 96 pp.
Publisher: The World Bank Group
Date (published): 30/06/2009
Date (accessed): 20/11/2009
Type of information: research report
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML and pdf)
Abstract:
The purpose of this report is to provide the reader with an overview of some of the issues relating to women and Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) in the developing world in contrast to the developed world. Where possible, men's engagement will be added also as a contrast, but the focus of this working paper is on women, not gender. This is not to suggest that a focus on gender is not of value it is. But understanding the unique perspectives of women is the first step in addressing the larger issues of diversity and, specifically, gender, which has started to receive much attention from other organizations. This working paper is not intended to be the final document on the issue of women and ICTs, but a first opportunity to explore the issues with individuals less familiar with the on-going discussions. To that end, experts in the field may not find the depth of this paper as useful as some of those referenced at the end. Instead, this paper will serve to address the following points for the relative newcomer: 1) there is an enormous need for research to fully understand the issues of women, gender, and ICTs as the issues are very complex and the research is thin. Much of the information presented here is anecdotal or country specific, making generalizations a common challenge. The reader should be cautious of assumptions that need to be verified, but until the indicators are developed for broad reaching analysis, the authors are focusing on presenting concepts with the goal of encouraging exploration and discussion; 2) the research that exists relating to ICTs is often country specific, is more prevalent from developed than developing countries, and is often not disaggregated by gender; 3) the data source matters. According to most economists interviewed for this report, data on Internet use from market research firms, national government statistics, and industry organizations tend to show wider gender gaps than household survey data; and 4) gender differences are not apparent in all countries in all areas of ICTs; it is important to look at different contexts to tease out where barriers may exist (such as education, income levels, culture, human rights, etc.).