AFR-FEM Working Group: Summary Eight (5/10 - 5/16)

Future of the list The AFR-FEM list was designed, launched and supported by the Economic Development Institute, and the World Bank, as a follow-up activity of the "Global Knowledge for Development" Conference, to foster global knowledge sharing through technology. The future of the list, its objectives, its use and its expected outcomes must be discussed within the list, during May and possibly June, as well as other possible sources of support afterwards. The group members have stated that it would be a pity to have this meeting place diseappear: the AFR-FEM group has indisputably succeeded in gathering a network of varied and qualified human expertise, for the first time focussing on the issues of Africa and African women, almost fully working on a bilingual basis, and fully active on the list issues.

This group has produced serious and useful work. AFR-FEM could continue as a meeting place for various intervenors: field actors, donors, researchers and consultants, focussed around the issues of African Women's participation in Africa's development - and/or any other question relevant for African Women, and in particular those related to ICTs. Furthermore, it could be a place for monitoring the implementation of the Addis Conference recommendations, as well as sharing information, experiences, and resources.

Thus it could help meet the varying needs of Group members: contacts, networking, partner identification, technical information, collaborations, exchanges of ideas, network of field experts, issue-based lobbies... Some more specific activities could find their place in this space, such as support for the conception, design and establishment of new income-generating activities for women, especially through ICTs.   Women and ICTs Most African women do not live, at present, in conditions that allow them to think about - or be able to use - ICTs, as their basic needs are still unmet, and are their main priority. Thus, ICTs are not part of the reality for the majority of African women, even those, very often, in decision-making circles. It seems that what is missing most is a lack of information about impact and potential risks of ICTs in regards to development, and in the context of globalisation.

African women should take interest in ICTs for the same reason that they take interest in issues of education and information. It is essential that we now work towards developing ICTs for women's uses, as ICTs are a another tool to meet basic needs. Currently, they are mainly a tool available to actors working on behalf of women, rather than a useful tool for the end-users themselves. It is often regretful that ICT and technology fields are little appreciated by women, and that few female technicians are interested in women's isses. A "technician" appraisal of ICT issues helps explain the low interest of women in this matter. But an issues-based approach, focused on the way ICTs can contribute to progress in one or another field of interest for women is more likely to convince them to get interested in technology. 

Internet Resources

• Internet web site of linkages with African schools: http://members.xoom.com/kmgraduw/Gadeni.html   

Documents, Books, Research

• K. Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary of Economic Commission for Africa: Opening Plenary Address, "African Women and Economic Development: Investing in our Future" Addis Ababa, 28 April 1998 (via: APIC)
• Gain list: Monthly update March/April 1998 - Sheridan Nye and Vineeta Shetty: "Mandela Voices Support For African Telecom Development", Communications Week International, in Africa Journal, Electronic Newsletter on African Media
• "IWTC GLOBALNET #108, International Women's Tribune Centre 5/11/98
• "Documenting Women's Experiences of Armed Conflict as a Tool for Advocacy and Redress", Isis-WICCE Exchange Workshop, Kampala, Uganda, July 20-Sept. 21, 1998.