(No: 91) Technology, Economic and Societal Opportunities and Women
Technology has afforded all segments of populations around the globe with new and unique opportunities. However, some of these come with the need for changes in policies, or increased investment, to enable the full opportunities to be achieved, such as around encouraging studies in sciences or technology. As more aspects of life are increasingly mediated by Internet and information communications technologies (ICTs), access to the Internet significantly contributes to all, in particular women's rights to freedom from discrimination and exclusion and their right to political, economic, cultural and social participation. For women, access to information and the Internet creates opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and social benefits, such as ease in health care and education (e-health, e-education). Yet, opportunities afforded by the Internet in particular around social benefits often face challenges within their own policy and regulatory frameworks. This interactive workshop will explore 3 dimensions from the perspective of a range of stakeholders as well as the particular development opportunities: 1. Women and economic empowerment: For example, issues around micro-lending; online services and businesses; job sharing and ease of commuting. 2. Enhancing (or strengthening) women's rights through access to information and the Internet, including use of technology to address issues of abuse or technology related violence. 3. Policy and regulatory conditions that stimulate access to the Internet and information. For example, encouraging ease and cost effective use of technology/the Internet across schools and health facilities.
Draft agenda
- Exploring the policy and governance issues (45 minutes)
Interactive discussion with the panelists
- women and economic empowerment (micro-lending, online services and businesses, job
sharing and ease of commuting)
- policy/regulatory conditions stimulating access to Internet and information (cost effective
technology use, Internet in schools and health facilities)
- enhancing (or strengthening) women's rights through access to information and the Internet,
including use of technology to address issues of abuse or technology related violence
- policy changes needed to help exploit and maximize opportunities for women to excel in
different environments
- technology access vs women's rights to freedom from discrimination and exclusion
- ICTs and economic, social and educational opportunities for women
- social benefits and challenges related to policy and regulatory frameworks
Interactive discussion with the participants