Economic and Social Empowerment of Women through ICT: A Case Study of Palestine

Abstract

This paper presents an insight into an initiative that intends to empower women through Information and Communication Technologies, by means of a joint venture between NGOs and local women organizations. The paper reflects on direct and indirect impacts of the initiative that targeted hundreds of women in Palestinian rural areas. The research team tracked the trainees' responses and the evolution of their capabilities through qualitative and quantitative means such as focus group discussions, interviews with stakeholders, questionnaires, surveys, and observations of on-going activities. The initiative exerted considerable efforts to enhance ICT technical capabilities of women which work to endorse social and economic empowerment and develop entrepreneurial capabilities of participants. Significant percentage of the surveyed women felt that they gained some level of empowerment and self confidence through mastering the basic ICT competences, and believed that ICT is helpful in improving their livelihood. However, there were few solid evidences of the transformative potential of ICT that is sought out of such initiatives. ICT has some impact on women personalities, on the way they perceive themselves in their families and societies. However there are vital issues demanding further attention. Key amongst these is improving the ability of women to utilize ICT effectively and in particular for knowledge attainment and creation, in personal and community development, and as a socialization channel.