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Gender
In formulating e-Government strategies, gender-blind does not mean gender-neutral. Policy-makers should be aware of the different contexts in which women and men live. Policy that does not take gender into account may have significant, unanticipated negative impacts. e-Government will be most effective if diverse perspectives, including those of women, are sought. See Strategies to Cross the Gender Digital Divide, DOT-COMments e-Newsletter (February 2006).
Recent research on the impact of the Internet in Kenya indicates that as a result of family responsibilities, women and girls have their first encounter with the Internet at a much later age than men and boys, who normally have the flexibility of going into an Internet cafe at a very early age. Accordingly, programs to provide public access points should include locations that are easily accessible to women and girls.
It is important for governments to encourage high-level participation of women in the ICT sector, including policy-making positions. At present, the ICT field is male dominated in developing countries. Most ICT policy-makers are men, and ICT programs are more likely to be managed by men than women. As a result of the current imbalance, it is likely that men will reap the majority of the benefits of e-Government, including business opportunities associated with e-Government software development and support services. Programs that address womens participation in the ICT sector could also provide funding and mentoring services on establishing and managing businesses related to e-Government. Women and ICT Policy, DOT-COMments e-Newsletter (February 2006).
Gender Resources
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