Gender and ICT

The human rights based, technical and socialimplications brought by new information andcommunication technologies (ICT) are not genderneutral. Existing power relations in societydetermine who benefits from and shapes thecontent, development and use of ICT. Humanrights, including women’s rights, are as importantonline as they are offline. If gender dimensionsof ICT are identified and addressed,ICT can be a powerful catalyst for political andsocial empowerment of women, and a tool topromote gender equality. This brief gives a shortintroduction to gender and ICT, provides examplesof interventions and gives a quick guide tohow gender can be integrated into ICT programmesfor development and a tool for change.