Study on Gender, Information Technology, and Developing Countries

["Irfan Khan" <khania@super.net.pk>]

[from GKP Partners Newsletter, April 2002]

Study on Gender, Information Technology, and Developing Countries by 
Nancy Hafkin and Nancy Taggart - www.usaid.gov/wid/pubs/it01.htm  

The purpose of the study is to provide USAID's Office of Women and 
Development with a conceptual framework to inform their creation of 
appropriate information and communication technology (ICT) programs 
and activities for women and girls in developing countries.  

In this publication, the authors argue that Information technology 
(IT) has become a potent force in transforming social, economic, and 
political life globally. Without its incorporation into the 
information age, there is little chance for countries or regions to 
develop. Indeed, the United Nations places access to information 
technology as the third most important issue facing women globally, 
after poverty and violence against women.  

Hafkin and Taggart futher assert that if access to and use of these 
technologies is directly linked to social and economic development, 
it is imperative to ensure that women in developing countries 
understand the significance of these technologies and use them. They 
suggest that gender issues be considered early in the process of 
introducing ICTs in developing countries - as ICTs can be an 
important tool in meeting women's basic needs and can provide the 
access to resources to lead women out of poverty.  

At the same time, Hafkin and Taggart are clear about the limitations 
of technology. They understand that technology is not a 'cure-all' 
for women's problems in developing countries, since ICTs can bring 
threats and challenges along with opportunities e.g. in some 
instances, it can even be a tool of sexual exploitation. But in 
general, giving women access to ICTs, and supporting them in ICT-
related endeavous may offer women in developing countries a crucial 
lifeline for economic, social, and political empowerment.  

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