UNUnited Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Press Release

[Index]      

Geneva, 7 November 2002

Building a gender sensitive Information Society

UNECE Side Event at the Pan-European Preparatory Ministerial Conference
for the World Summit on the Information Society

Bucharest, Romania, 7 November 2002, 5-7 p.m.


Women and men in the ECE region are increasingly taking advantage of new information and communication technologies (ICT) to start and develop their businesses, acquire new knowledge, seek advice and participate in social and political life. ICT can be thus a tool to promote gender equality and enhance the economic, political and social empowerment of women as recognized by the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as other UN documents. At the same time, however, ICT may perpetuate existing gender-based inequalities in opportunities and resources and create new forms of inequality between women and men.

A "gender divide" within the digital divide is a serious concern in all countries in the ECE region, especially countries in eastern Europe and the CIS where women's position in the economy has deteriorated during the last decade. This was reflected by the disproportional cuts in women's employment, cuts in social protection and raise of family responsibilities, low level of political representation and strengthening of traditional views on women's role in a number of countries. These adverse trends put women at a disadvantage to benefit from ICT-related opportunities and fully utilize high levels of education, including in the area of mathematics and science. The latter is a unique feature as compared to most other countries and an asset in terms of the quality of human resources, growth potential and social cohesion.

ICT-related opportunities for women greatly differ among and within countries. Women living in best performing countries in ICT development, such as Estonia and some countries in central Europe, or women living in urban areas, are in a privileged position. However, in all countries the process of building Information Society focuses on the development of technical infrastructure and is considered as gender neutral.

Problems of equal participation of women as users, producers and decision makers in ICT-related areas are not discussed at policy levels. The lack of data does not allow to provide precise information on gender digital divide. However, the evidence strongly suggests that women have less resources to buy new equipment, less time to acquire new skills and knowledge and certainly less impact on the framework and rules of the games of the emerging Information Society, where ICT is rapidly reshaping the spheres of work and commerce, learning and governance. They also lack self-confidence and encouragement to actively seek and pursue ICT-related opportunities.

The main objective of the Round Table on Building a gender Sensitive Information Society at the Pan-European Regional Ministerial Conference in Bucharest is to mainstream gender into policy debate in the context of the regional preparatory process and the contribution to the WSIS 2003 (Geneva) and 2005 (Tunis). The discussion is expected to raise the awareness on region specific gender concerns in ICT development, establish the platform for a dialogue, strengthen partnership among major stakeholders and recommend concrete follow-up activities.

The Round Table will discuss trends and issues related to the gender digital divide in the ECE region and the situation in individual countries. It will draw on positive experience and best practices in improving women's access to new technologies provided by governments, corporate sector, civil society and international organizations. Attention will be given to address barriers affecting equal access of women and men to ICT-related opportunities. The Round Table will also draw on the conclusions from sub-regional conferences, especially the Bishkek-Moscow Conference for CIS countries.

The summary of discussion and recommendations from the Round Table discussion will be presented at the plenary session and reflected in the final document of the Bucharest Conference.

The Round Table is organized by the UNECE and the Romanian Government, in cooperation with UNDP, UNIFEM and ITU. It is open to participants from governments, international organizations, business and civil society.

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Moderator: Ms. Victoria Popescu, Director, MFA, CEDAW Expert
Rapporteur: Ms. Ewa Ruminska-Zimny, UNECE Regional Adviser on Gender and Economy


Opening statements

Mrs. Simona Miculescu, Presidential Counsellor, Romania
Mr. Paolo Garonna, UNECE Deputy Executive Secretary
Mr. Yuri Misnikov, Regional Coordinator, UNDP Regional Support Centre
Ms. Irina Socol, SIVECO Romania


Topics

· Gender dimension of digital divide within the UNECE region: current situation, achievements and obstacles;
· Lessons learned and best practices in building a gender sensitive Information Society;
· Role of governments, private sector, civil society and international community;
· Follow-up activities and the regional contribution to the WSIS 2003 (Geneva) and 2005 (Tunis).


Speakers

Ms. Daniela Semenescu, Director, Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity
Ms. Thérèse Gastaut, Director, Department of Public Information
Mr. Willy Jensen, Director, Norwegian Post and Telecommunication Authorities, Norway
Ms. Sophia Huyer, Executive Director, Gender Advisory Board, UNCSTD
Mrs. Tattu Mambetalieva, ICT Adviser to the President of Kyrgyzstan and Regional coordinator GIPI programme
Ms. Cornelia Rotaru, General Director, Business Development Center, Chamber of Commerce, Romania
Ms. Natasa Gospic, Senior Adviser Telecom Srbske, Chair ITU Working Group on Gender Issues
Ms. Osnat Lubrani, Regional Programme Director, UNIFEM, Regional Support Centre

 


For more information please contact:

Victoria Popescu, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Romania
E-mail: [email protected]

Ewa Ruminska-Zimny, UNECE
E-mail: [email protected]

 

Ref: ECE/0PA/02/18