Ogato, G. S. (2013). The Quest for Gender Responsive Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) Policy in Least Developed Countries: Policy and Strategy Implications for Promoting Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Ethiopia. International Journal of Information Technology and Business Management, 15(1), 23-44.
Overview: The study aims to assess the role of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in least developed countries, with specific objectives to analyze factors affecting women’s ICT access and usage, evaluate ICT policy and strategy, assess climate change adaptation, analyze Ethiopia’s national ICT strategy, and identify policy implications. The findings will be relevant for designing gender-responsive ICT policies, addressing women’s concerns, and developing sustainable development programs in Ethiopia.
Methodology: The study adapts the Human Ecological Approach, which studies the dynamic interrelationships between human populations and the environment and biosphere. This study uses a desk or literature review to gather information on existing policies, initiatives, projects, and best practices in least developed countries. The Ethiopian national ICT policy and strategy was chosen as a case study, as the country has made promising progress in developing gender-responsive ICT policies to promote sustainable development. The collected secondary data is qualitatively analyzed through narration and description, presenting relevant themes.
Findings: The country faces challenges in the ICT sector, including a skilled human-resource shortage for planning, implementation, and management of Next Generation Networks.According to the findings, the country’s ICT policy environment needs to be opened up to encourage private sector investment and improve service quality. ICT has become an integral part of Ethiopia’s development programs, but there is a gap between government policy objectives and available policy instruments. Ethiopia’s government monopoly over fixed, Internet, and mobile markets is a major factor in the slow development of its ICT sector. Ethiopia can promote gender equality and women’s empowerment through ICTs, closing the digital gender gap, by developing gender-responsive ICT policies and strategies. This requires revising the national ICT policy and strategy to align with policy implications.
Conclusion: ICTs offer numerous opportunities for women in least developed countries to improve their lives and their families. However, they can also bring risks and challenges, such as sexual exploitation. Despite these challenges, ICTs can contribute to fulfilling women’s basic needs and access to resources, keeping them in the mainstream. Gender policy must work together to capitalize on the opportunities and challenges presented by ICTs. Together, these groups can accelerate women’s development and contribute to the overall well-being of their communities.
Recommendations: Ethiopia’s ICT policy and strategy should address the digital gender-divide by equipping girls and women with skills for various roles in information communication technologies. Gender advocates should promote infrastructure investment, incentive programs, and training programs for women technicians. Additionally, information on licensing opportunities should be made available at locations accessible to women, and R&D should focus on designing equipment that considers the specific conditions and constraints of least developed countries.