ICT and Women's Empowerment: A Review from Development Communications Perspective

Abstract: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is growingrapidly in Indonesia, especially the internet. Data Association of IndonesianInternet Network Providers (APJII) revealed that 132.7 million Indonesianshave used the internet. This data shows almost all circles using the internet. Notonly in the city, but also in the countryside and in the coastal areas, manyresidents use the Internet by using a smartphone. Data also shows that theinternet user is still dominated by men. Women are considered incapable andless capable in utilizing ICT. However, many research results emphasize thatinformation technology or the Internet can help spread in improving social andeconomic processes. This paper examines about how ICTs and women'sempowerment are in the perspective of development communication. This isbecause development should not be gender biased and there is an activeparticipation of women in order to avoid discrimination. A case from IndramayuDistrict of West Java province becomes a sample for this study. It revealed thatthere is a gender biased and women are willing to be empowered throughutilizing ICT