Information Society Watch

2003, Swasti Mitter, United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development

This paper is an agenda for research and action for advancing women's employment and livelihood opportunities in developing countries in the ICT-related sectors. The objective is to identify areas of policy intervention that will allow women to participate in the globalised digital economy on a par with men. It will explore the possibility and potential of ICT in bringing gender equality in the world of work, be that in employment or in trade and commerce. The analyses also focus on the importance of women as human resources who attract foreign trade and investment in the ICT-related sectors of developing countries. The first section is devoted to a survey of the current position of women in the digital economy, to assist in the formulation of appropriate policy measures. Discussions reflect the spirit of the resolutions undertaken in the Beijing +5 summit that urged UN agencies to go beyond the task of assisting the use of ICT for networking and media to that of exploring the potential of the technology for economic empowerment of women in poorer countries. The need for policy makers to explore the potential of novel institutions e.g., telecentres and call centres, for improving the quantity and quality of women's employment is also discussed. Finally a framework is suggested for policy oriented research undertaken through the collaboration of major stakeholders, such as government, the corporate sector and NGOs (Adapted from author).

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