Gender and Public Access Computing: An International Perspective

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and public access to computers with Internet connectivity in particular, can assist community development efforts and help bridge the so-called digital divide. However, use of ICT is not gender neutral. Technical, social, and cultural barriers emphasize women's exclusion from the benefits of ICT for development. This paper offers a qualitative analysis of the benefits of ICT and the barriers facing women to fully realize those benefits, particularly through public access to computers and Internet in libraries, telecenters, and cybercafes. Individual benefits include increased self-esteem, reduced isolation, access to markets, empowerment, and access to health information. Collective benefits include economic growth, improved health and education, capacity building, and cultural transformation. Barriers that are particularly significant to women are location, infrastructure, and connectivity; time and money; lack of relevant content; low education and literacy; and social norms and perceptions. This paper draws from publicly available reports of a larger study of public access venues in 25 developing countries around the world.