Thinking BIG to Accelerate Gender Equality and Transformation in the ICTs Arena

Abstract

There is an urgent need to fill the gap between the concept and practice of gender equality in the information and communication technologies (ICTs) arena and to develop effective strategies for concerted action. These actions are needed to ensure that women secure access to the potential benefits of ICTs and to minimize potential disbenefits associated with the ICTs revolution. ICTs cannot fulfill their potential for use as a tool for gender equality, women empowerment, and human development unless decision making and participation in the ICTs sector undergo a fundamental change. The article outlines a conceptual framework which can be used to open space for gender equality and women’s perspectives to contribute to reshaping the ICTs revolution. It sets out a three-phased approach consisting of Buy-in, Implementation, and Growth and reinforcement (BIG). This action-oriented conceptual framework is used to analyze four critical areas of intervention-ICTs policy making; ICTs applications for promotion of women’s economic empowerment; ICTs-enabled health and education services, and ICTsmediated public life p1articipation.