International gender and technology activists have launched a Web site to broaden awareness of gender equality in ICT policies.
The new site, GenderIT.org, developed by the Association for Progressive Communications Women`s Networking Support Programme (APC WNSP) last month, will function as an information resource for gender and ICT advocates, civil society organisations and policy-makers who want to play an active role in promoting gender equality in ICT policy.
The site aims to help ensure ICT policies meet the needs of women and do not infringe on their rights, says Katerina Fialova, GenderIT.org project manager.
"ICT policy is not only about legislation of infrastructure and operators. Good ICT policy can promote economic empowerment and can counter the negative uses of ICT, such as trafficking of women," she says.
The site also aims to educate women about ICT.
"ICT is beginning to permeate even the most isolated regions. Access or lack of access to a medium that in some places has become a principal means of expression, economical survival and decision-making is vital for women," says Fialova.
"GenderIT.org demystifies ICT policy and technical language. It also provides orientation for policy-makers on how to draft gender-sensitive national ICT plans.
"ICT policy-making at both global and national levels is generally treated as a purely technical area, typically for male experts. The world of ICT policy is foreign not only to women, but to people in general. ICT policy and technology concepts can be difficult to decipher, as well as the long-term implications of such policy as our societies are rapidly transformed by ICT."
The site will also feature technology policy updates, worldwide perspectives, regular news features and suggestions on the defence of women`s human rights.
The APC WNSP supports women networking for social change and women`s empowerment through the use of ICT, for over 150 women in 38 countries. The members are active in regional WNSP networks in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe.
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