Information Communications Technologies and Violence Against Women
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Development. Copyright © 2001 The Society for International Development. SAGE Publications (London, Thousand Oaks, CA and New Delhi), 1011-6370 (200109) 44:3; 36–41; 019070.
Thematic Section
Information Communications Technologies and Violence Against Women SUSANNE HAMM
ABSTRACT Susanne Hamm explores how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in the area of violence against women (VAW) have used Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to further their initiatives, forge networks and exchange information. She presents illustrations from a range of organizations to reveal the significant role ICTs can play in fostering awareness and action on VAW. She argues that while ICTs can be powerful tools for communication and information sharing, it is important to remain critical of the ICT industry and strive to make it more inclusive and gender sensitive. KEYWORDS education; gender; Internet; media; networking
Introduction Information Communication Technologies (ICTs),1 and especially the Internet, are important political tools. Their value in linking individuals and groups beyond geographic borders is by now well established. Social movements have utilized these technologies to denounce, mobilize, campaign and make their struggles known to a worldwide audience.2 In the context of the struggle to resist violence against women (VAW), ICTs are being used for a broad range of activities. These activities include the use of ICTs to expose VAW as a pervasive social problem, to disseminate information, to share strategies on how to combat VAW and to build the capacity of individuals and organizations joined in this struggle. Global discussions via the Internet have helped develop our collective understanding about the prevalence of VAW around the world. Yet, questions remain about the nature of ICTs, especially with respect to issues of access, representation and levels of participation. At present, the Internet remains an unknown or inaccessible medium for much of the world’s population, particularly women. Further, the increasing commercialization of the Internet, the preponderance of English as the cyber-language and its close development with the on-line global sex industry reveal the ongoing need for a critique of new digital technologies.
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Hamm: Information Communications Technologies Using the Internet to combat VAW There is a growing repertoire of examples illustrating the role ICTs can play in combating VAW. Around the world, NGOs have made use of their potential to prompt debate, share strategies and raise awareness about the global scope of this pandemic. Below, I outline four broad areas showing how ICTs have been used by NGOs to confront VAW. Information sharing One of the greatest benefits of ICTs is their ability to link individuals and organizations to discuss ideas and share advocacy strategies in a relatively quick and cost effective way. In the context of human rights, the critical role of the Internet in disseminating in
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