ICTs, women and leadership by Tinuke OBIKOYA

Information and communication technologies could give a major boost to the economic, political
and social empowerment of women, and the promotion of gender equality. But that potential will only be realized if the gender dimensions of the Information Society – in terms of users’ needs,
conditions of access, policies, applications and regulatory frameworks – are properly understood and adequately addressed by all stakeholders.

Poverty, illiteracy, lack of computer literacy and language barriers are among the factors impeding access to the ICT infrastructure, especially
in developing countries, and these problems are particularly acute for women.

Also, cultural attitudes and gender stereotyping are impediments to education leading to more men than women in scientific and technical careers and in decision-making positions, thus increasing gender inequity.

The holistic new ICT technologies are powerful tools for women to overcome discrimination, achieve full equality, well-being and participation in the decisions that determine their lives and the future of their communities. It will be a highly valuable reference tool for policy makers and development leaders, so that appropriate steps can be taken to mainstream the gender dimension in all areas of technology development, incubation and adoption.

Community-based women’s organizations have been instrumental in the process of enabling women to cross the so-called digital divide and become leaders in the ICT sector. With women’s empowerment as a key objective, they can use technology to successfully build personal confidence and self-esteem thereby developing leadership qualities......MORE