The last 10 years have seen an information revolution that has fundamentally transformed social and business interactions. This revolution has also affected the way in which development programs are designed and implemented. Information and communication technology (ICT) is a powerful enabler of development and has helped realized important efficiency and productivity gains when applied in private sector, public sector management, health, and education programs and processes. ICTs are also connecting rural and remote populations to the global knowledge economy and supply chain.
On the other hand, access to ICTs and usage of ICTs entails affordability, accessibility, and literacy. These factors are not available on an equal basis to men and women in developing countries. Since the late 90s, we have seen an effort by ICT researchers to study the "gender digital divide" and to develop policies to mitigate it. These policies include and sometimes intersect with gender-based work in the fields of community development, education, literacy, and science and technology. Unfortunately, there are not enough gender-based indicators to document some of this research and analytical work.
In our upcoming research on ICT and women's economic empowerment, we have tried to document and address these topics:
- Women, Gender and ICTs: Why does it matter
- Outcomes and impact of ICT policies and projects for women
- Role of Women's use of ICTs in sustainable rural poverty reduction
- Development benefits for communities providing broadband access for women
- Transformational impact of eGovernment Services to women
- Role of the WBG and Donors in engendering ICT portfolio and promote the ICT policies inclusive of gender.
Live webcast: http://www.worldbank.org/edevelopment/live