In the Spotlight: Gender Experiences and ICTs
in Latin America and the Caribbean
María Esther Mogollón (*)
(*) Document especially prepared by the Regional Workshop “From Margin to Center: Gender Equity in Building the Information Society”, held on May 9-11, 2005 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. WSIS Gender Caucus. Organized at the headquarters of UNESCO Regional Chair on Women, Science and Technology in Latin America. www.catunescomujer.org
In the Spotlight: Gender Experiences and ICTs
in Latin America and the Caribbean[1]
By María Esther Mogollón
Summary
The study[2] -conducted by the Regional Workshop: “From Fringe to Gender: Gender Equity in Building the Information Society” organized by the WSIS Gender Caucus Steering Committee on May 9, 10 and 11, 2005, presents the current status of Gender and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)[3] based on the survey of related projects, research and actions from the standpoint of various social stakeholders: State, private sector, academia and the civil society. This work focuses on the application of the gender perspective –whether explicit or not. It seeks to provide an overview of Latin American and Caribbean countries showing trends and/or strategies in place, as well as examples of major organizations and networks implementing plans and projects. Features, objectives and potential impact are analyzed. The sustainability of some projects is examined as well. Finally, the existence of a myriad of strategies -or lack thereof- applied to actions and initiatives carried out by countries has led us to put forward some work proposals.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Research Subject Matter
3. Objectives
4. Methodology
5. Analysis of Results
· Quantitative
· Qualitative
6. Foresight: Trends and Conclusions
7. Bibliography
8. Charts
1. Introduction
The Information Society (IS) develops in different ways in each country and continent. While in developed countries this process rolls on rapidly, in poor countries it is slow. Progress is tied to pace and opportunities.
In Latin America and the Caribbean we find that the IS development process differs from one region to another, even within countries, influenced by political, economic, cultural and social factors. For example, in science and technology, Argentina spends $31.50 a year per inhabitant, Brazil $ 37.7 and the United States $989.4. In the case of Peru, the situation of science and technology is critical and, by contrast with other countries, investments in 2002 totaled US$ 2.17 per capita yearly[4]. The shortage of resources devoted to science and technology explains why gender-based distribution is still unequal, as reported by Dafne Plou (2004). In Uruguay, however, progress has been made and today 56% of researchers are women while in Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil they account for 40%, and in El Salvador they reach only 20%[5].
Regarding the use of the Internet, the Human Development Report 2001 points out that men account for 62% of Internet users in Latin America and women 38%, although in some countries such disparities are beginning to shrink. In Brazil, where the use of the Internet has grown rapidly, women total 47% of users while in the United States the rate of female users has climbed from 38% in 1996 up to 51% in 2000.
ECLAC[6] puts forward several national strategies for the IS in LAC, analyzing the contexts, funding, trends, shortfalls and institutionalization of public policies. Early initiatives in Brazil date back to the 70’s. The government has created the so-called “Casa Brasil” (Brazil Home) so that communities may access ICTs and the infrastructure provided by the State. Brazil takes the lead in the regional process towards the IS second stage. On the other hand, Argentina made some early efforts in 1985 and has undergone a series of political and institutional changes affected by the economic crisis and political instability of the past years, which has left the IS issue behind. Argentina's efforts now focus on the Head Office of the Cabinet of Ministers, a body that collects and articulates initiatives from stakeholders. In turn, in Chile the “Red Enlaces” Program set forth by the Ministry of Education is recognized worldwide for its attempt at introducing ICTs into schools. In 1998, Chile prepared a comprehensive IS strategy calling upon all stakeholders concerned, e-government being one of its driving forces. ECLAC document has not inquired into IS gender policies, so we infer that they are inexistent or weak, or else have not been identified yet.
During the Geneva Summit, the Gender Caucus issued a document titled “Recommendations for Action” in order to raise awareness about gender gaps and the measures to bridge them, in addition to equitable participation in the IS construction decision-making process. Such recommendations highlight the role of women as agents of change and their leadership in developing the IS based on their empowerment and more democratic and equitable participation[7]. For women's organizations this document and the Beijing Platform, issued at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, among others, are the mainstays to foster actions and evaluate progress made by women between both Summits on the IS thereafter.
The study titled “In the Spotlight: Gender Experiences and ICTs in Latin America and the Caribbean” showcases a number of simple experiences. In addition, it provides a quantitative and qualitative analysis of regional and national efforts made in Phase I before the Summit on the Information Society held in Geneva (2003) and during the preparation of Phase II for the Summit in Tunisia (November 2005).
2. Research Subject Matter
The Geneva and Tunisia Summits (December 2003 and November 2005 respectively) have sparked manifold projects and meetings, seminars and workshops organized by the State, the private sector, the academia and the civil society. Subject matters and approaches differ, as well as the strategies and methodologies applied to programs and projects. As for Gender vis-à-vis ICTs, the experiences shared prior to the Geneva Summit should be highlighted. They include the GEM Methodology of APC Women, used to assess the impact of the gender perspective on ICTs, other seminars such as PRIGEPP/FLACSO-Argentina Diploma, and the efforts made by a significant number of feminist organizations using ICTs as an empowerment tool and an instrument for resistance and solidarity.
The period between both events includes some highlights such as small subsidy tenders organized by WSIS Gender Caucus and the Frida Project developed by the Institute for the Connectivity of the Americas - ICA and IDRC, or other initiatives concerned with free software and women in Brazil, as well as meetings and national and international workshops.
For further information and supporting evidence of the trends developing in the region, it is crucial to follow-up on the Observatory for the Information Society in Latin America and the Caribbean (OSILAC)[8] and the definition of gender indicators applicable to ICTs and the IS.
There is no report accounting for the application of the gender perspective to ICTs on a systematic basis, nor for the objectives, the characteristics of programs and actions or the impact thereof on the quality of life of the target population. As indicated above, many initiatives are being carried out in the continent to contribute to the development of the IS effectively, which requires a critical analysis and elaboration of the processes involved. The lack of a roadmap of experiences or systematic information hinders actions, forecasts and recommendations in favor of equality and equity across genders.
For that reason, this paper seeks to address the following question:
Which experiences have been developed or are underway in the area of Gender and ICTs in Latin America and the Caribbean?
Other related questions stemming from the above are:
· Which countries have developed these initiatives? At continental level?
· Which are the goals pursued by these initiatives?
· Which are the main features of these initiatives?
· Who develop these initiatives? (the State, the academia/academic institutions and organizations of the civil society)
· Which kind of strategy do they apply?
3. Objectives
Main objective:
· To identify, survey and systematize Gender and ICTs related initiatives in LAC.
Secondary objectives:
· To carry out a quantitative and qualitative analysis of results.
· Recommend paths of action based on the analysis of results and opinions about surveyed experiences.
· Pinpoint those countries that have been developing such initiatives both at national and regional level.
· Check into the goals pursued by these experiences.
· Show the characteristics, progress, pitfalls and results of such initiatives.
· Identify players (State, academia/academic institutions, organizations of the civil society) and the beneficiaries of such initiatives.
· Unfold the type of strategy they apply.
4. Methodology
To this end, a mixed technique has been applied: A survey and a quantitative and qualitative analysis.
· Samples of Web pages and sites and feminist dissemination media containing gender and ICT related information have been surveyed.
· Databases of several projects and Web pages have been examined and inquired into.
· Inquiries have been sent electronically to researchers and activists working mainly for NGOs in Latin America as well as public and private entities.
· Bibliographic literature and CDs have been analyzed, mainly those collected during the World Summit on the Information Society held in Geneva and other recent events.
A sample of 107 Latin American and Caribbean initiatives has been surveyed and analyzed.
Information Card
1. Project Title
2. Country
3. Type of Action / Strategy
4. Responsible Organization
5. Objectives
6. Characteristics and Beneficiaries: Difficulties, progress, potential impact
7. Results
Theoretical Framework
Gender and Technologies
There is a host of questions regarding gender and ICTs such as: What is happening to women’s access to ICTs? To which extent do women create/transform these technologies? Which impact does the use of technologies have on women’s life? Which impact do they have on men’s life? What type of citizenships is being developed? Is it possible to know what is happening at the Gender-ICTs intersection? Several studies, such as Gloria Bonder’s (2001), suggest pondering over the use of ICTs and their impact on women. Dafne Plou (2001) and Sally Burch (ALAI), on the other hand, recognize and analyze the progress made by Gender and ICTs projects in the region.
As regards the use of the Internet, Bonder sustains that “albeit it cannot be denied that it has developed and expanded dramatically, studies and analyses providing a thorough understanding of what is happening amongst technology, users, non-users and social change have not been realized at the same pace. In her work, Bonder shows a wide array of theoretical trends on gender and its relation with ICTs, which helps “dispel the myth of ICTs inherent potential and places the issue of social appropriation from people’s perspective”, as stated by Holanda Castro[9].
The theoretical assumptions proposed by Bonder focus on three major visions. First, a negative and exploiting vision of ICTs and the cyberspace in connection to women. Second, the emancipative and democratic vision that inspires movements in favor of ICTs for social development. And third, the vision of cyber-feminism, which puts ICTs at the service of the political fight for gender equity and faces up to the challenge of resiliency, reappropriation and new meaning of ICTs for/by/from women. This third vision has disclosed the flaws and resignations underlying the good purposefulness of other paradigms: The conquest of equality[10]. Castro (2005) further suggests that, in order to allow women to play a significant role in the IS, the body-sexuality-culture and technology relationship should be examined.
The cyberspace, where today disputes and fights over power are staged, has become a challenge for those feminists that consider ICTs as tools for resiliency and empowerment. When evaluating the impact of technologies on women’s lives, it is recommended to take into consideration which type of resiliency and powers arise and which “gender assumptions” are present. “Gender categorization is also present in the representations of technology and presumptions about who may use tools and machines” (Jill k. Conway, Susan C. Buarque, Joan Scott, 1987). Natasha Primo explains that “women often maintain complex relationships with machines since socialization makes them believe that machines and technology pertain to the sphere of males and are alien to that of women and girls, thus triggering gender bias in the studies and use of IT”[11].
New technologies are neutral and gender equity supporters should take into account that the conception, development, dissemination and application of new technologies should follow the same democratic standards as social justice activists claim in other global processes[12].
Sustainability of Initiatives
This analysis is based on a sample of projects. However, a more in-depth analysis is required. In order to determine the sustainability of initiatives, we can apply an institutional, financial and programmatic approach.
Institutional Approach
· The capability to obtain and manage resources effectively and efficiently and thus fulfill their mission.
· The organization’s leadership, its strategic planning process, its organizational culture and available human resources, among others.
Financial Approach
· Capacity to generate economic resources for self-support. Cost assessment, expenditure control, accounting information system.
Programmatic Approach
· Potential to carry out activities and fulfill a mission. Programmatic planning: activities, resources, time. Community participation, evaluation and follow-up.
A. Quantitative Analysis of Results
1. A look at the wide range of national, regional and international initiatives.
CountryArgentina / 5
Brazil / 9
Caribbean / 1
Chile / 9
Colombia / 2
Costa Rica / 3
Cuba / 2
Ecuador / 4
El Salvador / 2
Guatemala / 4
Honduras / 1
International / 4
Jamaica / 2
Latin America / 19
Mexico / 11
Nicaragua / 3
Peru / 16
Dominican Republic / 3
Trinidad and Tobago / 1
Uruguay / 2
Venezuela / 4
107
A total of 107 initiatives from 10 countries have been sampled: 1 from the
Caribbean, 19 from Latin America and 4 from other “international” locations including countries in Latin America and other continents. Such initiatives include the GEM Methodology for evaluation purposes from a gender perspective for the Internet and ICTs[13] of PARM-APC (Women’s Networking Support Program of the Association for Progressive Communications); the portal “Mujeres Hoy” (Women Today) of ISIS, the portal GenderIT that provides tools to integrate gender into public policies and the small subsidy program GenARDIS for gender issues in ICTs for rural and farming development[14].