UNIFEM brings IT to women

The UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) announced on Friday the formation of a global intermediate technology (IT) advisory committee that aims to give women in Africa access to information communication technologies to improve their livelihoods. "Women need to access information technology in order to compete in a global market," Noeleen Heyzer, UNIFEM Executive Director, said. "Through this programme, we hope that African women in business will be able to link their imaginations and skills to the information world through the click of a mouse," she added. The Global Advisory Committee, made up of 12 experts including African IT entrepreneurs, representatives from the private sector and the UN, will work with UNIFEM on a programme to help bridge the IT gap in Africa. It will focus on training for women in communication technologies, creating business partnerships and accessing financial support, UNIFEM said. It also aims to improve internet connectivity and provide low costs for internet access to make technology a part of everyday life for African women, UNIFEM said.