Bridging the Gender Digital Divide: A Report on Gender and ICT in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States

Author/Editor(s): Lenka Simerska and Katerina Fialova

Commissioned by UNDP, this report represents a joint effort of UNDP and UNIFEM to deepen knowledge about gender dimensions within Information and Communications Technologies for Development (ICTD) and to strengthen integration of gender within the work of UNDP and others working to promote ICTD in the region. The report highlights the need for increased action to address imbalances between women's and men's access to and participation in ICTs in the CEE/CIS region. It also emphasizes the powerful potential of ICTs as a vehicle for advancing gender equality.

This report is the first of its kind to compile a substantial inventory of gender equality projects and resources for the information society in the CEE/CIS region, including references to other resources, relevant websites and contacts. Equally important, regional specificities are addressed. Similarities and differences for the region in terms of the gender agenda — both historic and current — are discussed in the context of ICTD approaches.

UNDP and UNIFEM encourage regional and national ICT policymakers, ICT and development specialists, as well as gender equality experts and advocates, to draw on this report as a practical tool and resource. It is hoped that the examples of good practice showcased in the report will inspire greater action and innovation across the region, which will further contribute to bridging the gender digital divide in the CEE/CIS.