Creating an African women's cyberspace

Date

2000

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Southern African Journal of Information and Communication (SAJIC), The Edge Institute / Research ICT Africa, Braamfontein, ZA

Abstract

This paper seeks to identify and define a set of interrelated processes that are necessary for creating an information society that accommodates the needs, aspirations and vision of African women. Readers are encouraged to turn on its head the notion of an Africa which has ‘lagged behind’, is ‘left out’ and is ‘backward’ and in so doing, to ask more relevant questions such as: Which information technology products, services and associated informatic cultural forms can be beneficial to African women? Which of these can assist these women in realising their objectives of economic sustainability and dignity? The features of the global information society or ‘cyberspace’ as it has become known are examined and African women need to be located within these prevailing notions. This discussion sets the stage for a closer examination of how African women might successfully create a cyberspace that accommodates their realities by transforming what currently exists.

Description

Related to IDRC supported Research ICT Africa (RIA) projects 101584, 103114 and 105266.

Keywords

GENDER ANALYSIS, WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION, INFORMATION SOCIETY, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, GENDER EQUALITY, AFRICA

Citation

DOI