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Gender and ICT for Development Seminar Series: A Concept Note

Background
The Department of Women and Gender Studies (DWGS) at Makerere University is a
leading academic organization committed to advocating for a greater role of
women in Uganda's ICT sector. DWGS contributes to development in Uganda through
ensuring that gender is an integral part of the development process. This
involves among others, providing the intellectual leadership for mainstreaming
gender in aspects of technology within the university and beyond. In executing
its mandate the department works through a comprehensive strategy that includes
teaching and training, research publication and dissemination, outreach,
networking, advocacy and gender mainstreaming.

Rationale
Around the world, information and communications technologies are typically
thought of as being a domain for men. In this regard, Uganda is no exception.
Women in Uganda account for a small fraction of the national IT workforce. In
addition, like other industries women are in low paying jobs and given fewer
responsibilities than men.

However, in an effort to broaden its gender and technology initiatives as well
as enhance women's participation in Uganda's ICT sector, DWGS would like to
propose a Gender and ICT for Development Seminar Series to provide an
opportunity for students, scholars and interested members of the public to gain
insights on the intersection of gender, ICTs and development from key actors in
the field. Particular emphasis would be given to raise the challenges and
opportunities for women aspiring to be IT professionals.

Proposed format of Gender and ICT for Development Seminar Series
Given its positive relationships with women's organizations around the country,
DWGS is in a strong position to attract prominent female professionals to act
as guest speakers. Potential candidates would include Ms. Ruth Ochieng,
Director, ISIS-WICCE, Ms. Dorothy Okello, Coordinator, WOUGNET and Ms. Irene
Muloni, Secretary General, WETSU to name a few. Male IT professionals will also
be invited.

Seminars would be held on a monthly basis at DWGS whereby guest speakers are
given 30-45 minutes to speak on their area of expertise. A significant time
will be allocated for a question and answer session to ensure that the audience
is able to seek career guidance for opportunities in Uganda's ICT sector.

Beneficiaries
As a member of the Cisco Networking Academy Program in Uganda the DWGS has a
pool of approximately 500 students which would benefit from the seminar series.
In addition, members of the public particularly women would also benefit.

Costs
The DWGS has obtained a small grant from I-NETWORK to cover the first four
seminars from October to December 2003. These funds are to be expended on
Guest Speaker Facilitation, publicity and food/drinks.