Computers/Information and Communications Technology, the Information Profession and the Gender Divide: where are we going?[1]

ABSTRACT This article examines the gender inequalities in computing, with a particular emphasis on these inequalities within the library and information profession. This includes, discrimination against women in academia; socialisation processes; issues around women’s confidence in computing; the male-dominated environment in the computing industry; female isolation in the computing world; females providing ICT support and training (rather than being the main decision-makers); computer programming and screen design and layout; presenteeism and flexible working and social networking. It also notes, in particular, the fact that the number of females in computing continues to fall. Furthermore, there is a section on gender and ICT in Central and Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States and developing countries. Consideration is given to a number of issues here, such as some of the ways in which the new technologies can empower women in these countries, but how women are hampered by a lack of resources, education, poor literacy levels and domestic responsibilities. The author suggests that we should seek to find ways to improve this situation, and that social networking could be beneficial here on a short-term basis, but that to find lasting solutions, we should seek to move beyond capitalism itself