Information Society Watch

2002, Nancy Hafkin, UN Division for the Advancement of Women

This paper provides a number of arguments in favour of engendering ICT policies, especially directed at gender advocates who have been reluctant to take up the cause of gender and ICT issues. Engendering ICT policy is essential to securing the benefits of the information age for girls and women. The author divides gender issues in ICT policy into two categories: those that affect nearly all aspects of access, in the broad sense, and use of ICTs, and secondly, those pertaining to the regular topics of ICT policy. Among the first category are physical access to infrastructure, social and cultural issues, education and skills, financial resources, and limitations of the media on gender issues. A useful table is presented for the second category, which clearly illuminates the gender aspects of ICT policy issues.

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