Gender and ICT Policy for Development and Empowerment: A Critique of a National ICT Policy
Date
2011
Authors
Wakunuma, Kutoma
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IGI Global
Peer reviewed
Yes
Abstract
This chapter pays attention to the role that ICT policy and gender play in the drive for development
and empowerment. Particular focus is on Zambia and its National ICT Policy. The chapter analyses
how notions of ‘gender’, development and empowerment are routinely incorporated into the ICT policy
rhetoric and the strategies put in place. It assesses whether the goals of the National ICT Policy encourage
social and economic development as well as empowerment for women. The chapter makes the
case that as much as ICT policies are being developed and adopted in order to be incorporated into
the development agendas of countries like Zambia, mere adoption without adequately addressing gender
concerns within the policies themselves may not necessarily achieve the desired development and
empowerment. The analysis subsequently brings to the fore some short comings within the policy that
have not been addressed with the adequacy they deserve and which as a result, can potentially impact
negatively on women’s overall development and subsequent empowerment. The chapter particularly
focuses on Government claims which suggest that women are important actors in ICT use for sustainable
development without whom the successful diffusion and use of ICTs in the country cannot be a reality.
Description
Keywords
ICT Policy, Development, Gender, Empowerment
Citation
Wakunuma, K. (2011) Gender and ICT Policy for Development and Empowerment: A Critique of a National ICT Policy. Handbook of Research on Information Communication Technology Policy: Trends, Issues and Advancements, IGI Global
Research Institute
Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility (CCSR)