Abstract
The year 2015, the target date to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, is fast approaching, and it is now time to assess some significant landmarks. For example, to what extent is the gender component incorporated in MDGs? To what extent is MGD 3 (gender equality and women empowerment) progressing towards its full achievement in West Africa? Are West African countries committed enough to incorporate MDG3 in their national policies? How are MDG3 and MDG 8 (information and communication technologies) linked in the progress towards sustainable development? What measures are in place to achieve MDG 3 and MDG 8 for development at country-specific levels? To find answers to these pressing concerns, a descriptive and analytical approach is utilized here. Case studies, government reports and country-specific MDG reports are considered in order to deduce the relevant information. The findings reveal that there is a lack of gender-responsive ICT in West African countries. This article aims to provide policy recommendations to improve the situation. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n21p405
Highlights
In many countries the argument is put forward that sustainable development and the needs of the community as a whole must come first, rather than “providing a preferential focus on women’s development needs and their rights”
This article explores the linkages between gender, information and communication technology (ICT) and MDGs establishing their impact on sustainable development in West countries
This international exploration of bringing a gender aspect into the arena of ICT is a significant consideration for women empowerment and sustainable development
Summary
In many countries the argument is put forward that sustainable development and the needs of the community as a whole must come first, rather than “providing a preferential focus on women’s development needs and their rights”. A review of the literature in the field of gender studies and policy studies (Jensen, 1989; Balit, 1999; Hafkin and Taggart, 2001; Gillard et al, 2008) explores the nexus between gender, ICT and development This linkage has raised global consciousness on gender analysis, gender disaggregated data, and the clear stipulation of roles and responsibilities to identify gender needs as development demands. “Gender-sensitive ICT applications to education, health care, and local economies have helped communities progress toward the MDGs”. They “facilitate rural health-care workers’ access to medical expertise through mobile phones and the Internet”. This article explores the linkages between gender, ICT and MDGs establishing their impact on sustainable development in West countries
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