gisw13_chapters

indonesiaTransformation of social roles through ICTs for rural womenNieke JahjaIntroductionThis report is a reflection on practical experiencesthat were the result of an evaluation on the effectsand methodology used in training and facilitationof the use of information and communications technologies(ICTs) for women in Indonesia. The trainingprogramme has been conducted since 2009. Thebeneficiary is a women’s organisation. The evaluationthat uses a gender perspective is intended to obtainan appropriate and adequate methodology in endorsingthe success of the intervention. In addition,it also tries to see how ICTs can change the positionof women in the social and cultural structures.Providing ICT training to a rural cooperativeICT training was given to a women’s cooperativeorganisation consisting of more than 1,600 members.The vision of the organisation is to promotewomen’s independence to achieve positions equalto those of men through activities such as revolvingfund management, savings and loan activity, productiveactivities, and business assistance for thecooperative members.If viewed from the perspective of culture, especiallythat of Indonesian pastoral culture whichoperates in a collective way, women play multilayeredroles in their daily lives. On the one hand,their reproductive role as wives and mothers requiresthem to carry out domestic tasks. On theother hand, as an extension of their domestic role,they have social responsibilities as women in theircommunities. The reproductive role in socio-culturalvalues ranks the highest compared to the otherroles women must play.Most of the members of this women’s organisationare trained to fulfil the roles of reproduction andproduction at the same time. However, so far, theproduction activities are part-time jobs done evenwhile nurturing their children and doing domestictasks, and are often not appreciated as activitieswith economic value. However, these activities arethose sustaining the local economy.At the beginning of the intervention, trainingwas given on the assumption that there are noobstacles of time and distance for the women.However, their time management for fulfillingtheir multi-layered roles proved this assumptionwrong.In terms of methods of training, the orientationis developed more in practice because it is moreappropriate that the knowledge and skills gainedcan be directly tested and evaluated. The participantsare introduced to tools such as a computer;they learn how to use technology to help themcomplete their work and meet their needs. Theyalso learn to use the internet as an instrumentfor communication and for browsing for information.Although it must be done gradually, learningthrough practice is easier and more effective thanbeginning with an introduction of the concept andterms. The women master the skill of using thetechnology first, before understanding the theoryor concepts that they may find difficult to relateto their daily work and habits. Moreover, mosttechnological terms are still written in a languageforeign to the women.The impact of ICT skills on rural womenFor rural women who are not engaged in the publicdomain, mastering technology such as a computerhas proven to produce significant effects. Forexample, a facilitator said that several memberswho had obtained basic computer skills havemore frequently been asked to participate in villagemeetings. Knowledge and skills they havereceived from the training can be used directly todo their tasks and jobs in their villages. They areinvited by the village elites to help document activitiesor prepare print documentation. Therefore,knowledge and skills in using ICTs have successfullychanged the position of women in accessingpublic affairs, which are strategic in their sociallife. Women eventually and gradually acquire importantsocial positions, and even within theircurrent capacity can have a bargaining positionand influence village policies.Although they create the opportunity tochange women’s social position, the use of ICTscannot always challenge the issue of inequalityin the gender-based distribution of jobs and resourcesthat is controlled by a patriarchal system.134 / Global Information Society Watch