IT and Women

Technology can be used to accelerate development and decrease gender gap. But the reality is-uneven distribution of IT within societies and across the globe is resulting in a "digital divide" between those who have access to information resources and those who do not. Women across the world undergo a lower degree of economic security than men and face gender-related constraints. If women are not provided with equal technological opportunities the gender gap will become wider and this condition will push women to the margin of their respected society. To attain the fundamental needs, such as education, health security, economic participation and professional opportunity, and political empowerment all women should be introduced and skilled with the knowledge of IT. It can be helpful for providing distance education and trainings as many women are unable to go to big cities to attain academic degree. Activities of different professional training center and micro finance company can contribute to the widespread of IT to rural or countryside areas. Once the women relate themselves to IT, it will widen their view toward education, social life and status, health security and economy, etc. Even the women of those particular areas can become more aware about their political rights and will be able to learn about the political activities going on around them. In near future, election campaign will be possible through internet in developing countries like Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. Today, in Bangladesh, many women are getting health care and medication service and agricultural solutions through cell phone. Even many women are involved with cell phone booth business to provide telecommunication services. But still, more men are attaining technological knowledge than women. Day by day, professional level of women is rising, but in compare to that gender gap is not decreasing as it is expected. If we want to get the desired result of using IT, we have to consider these gender gaps as huge obstacles before global gender equality and try to close these gaps for the sake of women’s own advancement.