Why do members join APC WNSP?

The APC WNSP is a loose but strong network – for sharing and supporting each other in a time of swift technological change and in what can sometimes be tough spaces for women. Over the years our membership has participated in different opportunities for training, learning, research, and local on-the-ground project implementation – both face-to-face and virtually. However, mostly we are a network of mutual support, info-sharing and debate around gender and ICT. We blog, tweet and put the spotlight on gender and technology.

Our network brings together ideas and examples of innovative use of ICT for and by women and girls, as well as concerns and debate around ICT policy from a gender perspective, and technology intersection with women’s rights concerns such as violence against women or sexual rights, not to mention freedom of expression!

APC WNSP’s ranks include librarians, mobile phone app developers, bloggers, feminist activists, FOSS chix, staff at women’s rights NGO’s, engineers and more. Being a techie is not a requirement, but APC WNSP members are all committed to women’s rights and see women’s involvement with technology as key to transforming social injustice.

You can join us in any number of ways:

• Learn more about gender and ICT policy issues with GenderIT.org. Blog for Feminist talk, submit your research, or let us know about other resources.
  
• Become a Take Back the Tech! campaigner during the 16 Days of activism against gender violence November 25-December 10 every year – or Take Back the Tech! in your community any time and spread awareness about tech-related violence against women and how to be safe online.
  
• Take a new look at ICT through gendered lenses with our Gender Evaluation Methodology for Internet and ICT Initiatives. You can use the methodology for your own projects or to critically reflect on initiatives that affect your community, to determine if and how they are transforming gender roles and people’s lives.
  
• Share your feminist practice of technologies online and off, offering capacity-building, ideas and resources.
  
• Let us know about your gender and ICT interests and actions so we can get involved, too!
  
  

  APC WNSP members include staff and collaborators of the organisations that make up the APC, as well as individual women passionate about gender and ICT. The regional network in Africa is made up of both individuals as well as organisations.

  
  

  Since the APC Women’s Networking Support Programme was established in 1993, members have joined for a myriad of reasons:
  

• to form part of a community of women who identify as techies or enjoy technology, and are concerned about women’s rights for capacity-building opportunities, virtually and face-to-face
  
• to debate and analyse the importance of new technologies and policies on women, especially in those regions where APC WNSP membership is strong, such as Africa and Latin America.
  
• to learn how to apply technology to change women’s lives for the better
  
• for personal, professional and organizational growth in understanding, using and developing technology and ICT policy.
  
  

  Interested in becoming a member? Let us know!