Gender Equity, Telecommunication Development and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Telecommunications are transforming life in all spheres, although the social transformations do not affect men and women in the same way. Recognising the needs and perspectives of women as well as men in planning telecommunications systems, will ensure active participation of women and lead to the overall improvement of the sector. This paper deals with the importance of gender implications in telecommunications development. It argues that access to telecommunications services in an equitable manner to both women and men will contribute to overall socio-economic development. Specific recommendations include that the ITU recognise gender as a cross-cutting issue, ensure that the needs of both women and men are met, and encourage partnerships with women and women’s NGOs at all stages of telecommunications planning, design and delivery.

Publisher: Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Year of Publication: 1998