Identifying Barriers Encountered by Women in the Use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) for Open and Distance Learning in the South Pacific: Country Presentations

Abstract

Regional expert meetings convened by Commonwealth of Learning (COL). COL and its network are continuing work in addressing gender barriers, such as those encountered by women, to the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs) for education and training, and especially for open and distance learning. From 1998 to 2001, COL convened four regional expert group meetings to identify barriers to information and communications technologies (ICTs) in education based on gender differences. The symposiums have been held in India, Barbados, Tanzania and New Zealand and relate to the discussions around the "digital divide", which have identified a particular need to address the implications of the ICT revolution for women, especially if they are not to be deprived of the opportunity to participate fully in the emerging economy likely to shape the 21st century.