Sixty indigenous Latin American women participants of an online discussion on Indigenous Women and ICTs are of the opinion that ICTs open possibilities for new projects, sharing of ideas and experiences as well as making suggestions and proposals so that their voice is heard. They viewed accessibility, connectivity, high costs, inappropriate training and socio-cultural and linguistic barriers as the major impediments in their access to new technologies.
The debate was moderated by Nidia Bustillos from Bolivia, a member of APC’s Women’s Networking Support Programme in Latin America (WNSP). This discussion took place in preparation for a working module on “Indigenous Women and ICTs” during the Know How Conference that will take place in Mexico City from the 21st -26th of this upcoming August.
“The conviction exists that ICTs can be used as strategic tools to strengthen the work in indigenous communities, and particularly women, to denounce violations, to speak of the specific vision that exists on issues such as sexual and reproductive health, human rights, the rights of indigenous peoples, etc.”, commented the discussion moderator. The participants agreed on the fact that it is not a neutral relationship, “ICTs used in a relevant manner can facilitate much of the work of the indigenous women’s organisations. However, they must be tailor made to the specific reality in which the ‘sisters’ work. Otherwise, they will continue to be the recipient group of development projects thought up by technocrats.”
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