Ghana ICT Policy and Plan Development Committee

The National ICT Policy and Plan Development Committee had a Public for a representative of Women’s Organizations on the 15th November 2002 as part of the National Consultative exercise aimed at developing an ICT-driven socio-economic development policy and plan.

Prof. Clement Dzidonu, Chairman of the National ICT Policy and Plan Development Committee, made a presentation. A supporting presentation was made by Dr. Nii Narku Quaynor, a member of the UNICT Task Force and Mrs. Marian Tackie, a member of the Committee and the Ag. Executive Director of the National Commission on Women and Development.

A key conclusion at the meeting was that Women could benefit greatly if they were empowered with the information communication technology. They also agreed that information technology could be an effective tool for the political empowerment of women; education and disseminating information and indigenous knowledge; and strengthening women’s participation in the political process.

The ICT4DP need to take on board issues relating to gender balance. Efforts should be made to involve women in the policy and formulation implementation process and specific programmes need to be developed in order to bridge the gender imbalance as they relate to the use of ICTs.

Education at all levels is a crucial and very important factor in improving the ability of girls and women in developing countries to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by information technology.

Education must be at all levels from basic literacy level through scientific and technological education.

Special efforts should be made to ensure girls and women have access to quality basic education especially in the area of science education including ICTs.

There is the need for Government to integrate information and communication technologies into girls’ education and women’s literacy programmes.

Exposure to new technologies from the earlier age and at every stage in life is indispensable.

Efforts should be made to equip women with skills to prepare them for a wide array of roles in information technology ranging from users and managers to creators and designers.

Special attention should be focused on increasing the number of girls and women studying information technology related areas in formal schooling and providing IT training outside school.

The Government was urged to emulate the best practices from other developed countries who are involved in giving women access to Information Technology through info-shops.

Professional women’s organizations can also open information technology centers to train women entrepreneurs in information management.

Women’s group/organizations can play an effective role as actors for change in using information technologies to push forwards their economic and social empowerment and that of the society.

The ICT for development process need to take on board issues relating to gender-balance. Efforts should be made to involve women in the policy formulation and implementation process. And specific programmes need to be developed in order to bridge the gender imbalance as they relate to the use of ICTs.