Foundation for Media Alternatives -A qualitative study of women empowerment through ICT -

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Örebro University

Department of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

Foundation for Media Alternatives

- A qualitative study of women empowerment through ICT -

Bachelor Thesis 2018/2019 Media and Communication Studies Supervisor: Mattias Ekman Author: Victoria Englund

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Acknowledgement

Initially, I would like to show my appreciation towards Sida, the Swedish International

Development Cooperation Agency, for giving me the opportunity to conduct this field study. I would also like to thank my supervisor Mattias Ekman for giving me important inputs and encouraging my work during the whole time in field. Most importantly, I would like to express my gratitude to Foundation for Media Alternatives that welcomed me to take part of their daily work. Thank you for your openness towards my study as well as taking your time to be

interviewed and for providing me with support.

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Abstract

Victoria Englund

Foundation for Media Alternatives

A qualitative study of women empowerment through ICT

In recent years ICT has gotten sustained interest in which it’s seen as a tool for development and social transformation. There have been a rise of ICT4D (ICT for development) initiatives in the international arena. The Philippine organization Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) is working with the intersection of ICT and women’s empowerment to advocate women’s rights and issues in the online space as well as increasing women’s strategic use of ICT. This paper is a Minor Field Study conducted in Quezon City, the Philippines, which explores FMA’s Gender and ICT program. The aim of the study is to examine the strategies and practices for women

empowerment through ICT as well as mapping the major challenges in their work. The study was conducted through observations and interviews with the members of FMA as well as women from an assisted urban poor community. The result outlines the main practices taken in the program to reach an understanding of the work done for women’s empowerment. Furthermore, the study portrays that the full potential of the practices can’t be fulfilled due to the current environment FMA are operating in. The experienced challenges in their work have been characterized into five common areas; funding, the political environment, the cooperation, the unsafe online space and lastly the socioeconomical divide in the society.

Keywords: ICT, Development, Women Empowerment, Foundation for Media Alternatives, the Philippines, Minor Field Study

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Abbreviations and acronyms

FMA Foundation for Media Alternatives

ICT Information and Communication Technology

ICT4D Information and Communication Technology for Development NGO Non-Governmental Organizations

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The concept of digital divide refers to the gap of access to information- and communication technologies (ICT) and is shown to be related to wider societal inequalities. Alike all human interactions, ICT is gendered meaning that men and women’s access and experienced challenges when using these technologies are distinct (Sida 2015). Primo (2003) argues that the main challenge for women in development countries, after poverty and violence, is the access to information. The gender norms and inequalities offline also applies to the access to, the content and the usage of ICT (Sida 2015). Research shows that women are about 50% less likely than men to be connected online even though they are within the same age group, have similar

education and income. It also confirms that women’s use of ICT still often is restricted to a social use, meaning that it’s commonly used for communicating with already existing social networks (WWWF 2015).

In the Philippines a development considering ICT usage can be elaborated and there is no longer a significant difference between men and women’s access to these technologies. However, the way ICT:s are being used still differs (FMA 2015). Furthermore, there is still a strong patriarchal attitude towards the use of Internet. A report shows that in Manila over half of the male

respondents agreed with the statement “men have the responsibility to restrict what women look at online” (WWWF 2015).

The World Wide Web Foundation (2015) considers ICT as a tool to accelerate the development of gender equality. ICT could serve as an entry point to women by allowing them to increase their informational, economic and political power. Many women are aware and do recognize these possibilities but still don’t appropriate the full potential of ICT (Primo 2003). However, the report from World Wide Web Foundation (2015) shows that in order to reach the full potential of

women empowerment through ICT policymakers must work against restraints as the high cost of access, the occurrence of technology-related violence against women, the amplification of patriarchal structure online and the consistent silencing of women.

There have been a variety of initiatives in the world addressing the unequal access and use of ICT between the genders (Wamala 2012, 3). The organization Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) is assisting and cooperating with communities and development civil society

organizations in their strategic use of ICT for empowerment and democratization. FMA strives to defend the right to information by advocating for openness in the governance and by working for human rights in the digital environment. FMA is working on basis of several programs, one of them is Gender and ICT. The Gender and ICT program focuses on the intersection between ICT and gender rights and issues, including women's use and access of ICT:s and technology-related violence against women. There is an aim to empower women and to create an awareness of the potential of ICT (FMA 2018).

1.1 Research aim

This thesis departure from the Agenda 2030 fifth goal of gender equality. Agenda 2030 has the course of action to deepening the understanding of interplay of ICT with women empowerment (United Nations 2015). The aim of the study is to examine the strategies and practices for women

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empowerment through ICT by studying FMA’s Gender and ICT program. Furthermore, the thesis has the purpose of mapping the major obstacles and challenges of working with the intersection of gender and ICT in relation to the context the organisation is operating in.

By studying practices of women empowerment through ICT this contributes to deepen the understanding of ICT:s impact on gender equality and could promote future initiatives (United Nations 2015). Therefore, by using the program of Gender and ICT as a case, the study will analyze how ICT is being used as a tool to empower women and advocate women rights. The research field of women’s empowerment through ICT is rather unchartered; there is limited research of the initiatives taken for this matter in Asia and even more limited in the context of Philippines. Furthermore, this research is of interest since it can provide an understanding of the major obstacles in order to be able to work against these in current policies as well as for future initiatives.

1.2 Research questions

- What activities are conducted in the program of Gender and ICT and how are these responding to the current gender digital divide?

- Wherein lie the major challenges experienced by the members of FMA in their work with the intersection of gender and ICT?

The research questions will lead in to the discussion of how the practices and experienced

difficulties by the member of FMA are related to the context of operating in a developing country. Furthermore, by using this particular case it can be used to discuss more general questions of women empowerment through ICT. It’s of importance in case studies to relate the particular case into the bigger context.

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2. Background

The background will provide basis understanding of the circumstances in the field the study is operating in. This includes the political situation, women’s current role as well as the use of ICT in the Philippines.

2.1 The Philippines

The republic of the Philippines is an islands nation in the Southeast Asia archipelago. Philippines consist of more than 7000 islands but is more commonly divided into three main island groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao (National Government Portal 2018). The population have passed 100 millions (Globalis 2016) which makes Philippines to one of the most populated countries in Southeast Asia (Landguiden 2018, A). The last 30 years the country have been facing conflicts of communist rebellions in the North and Muslim separatists in the South. The Philippine society is still dominated by a small wealthy elite meanwhile a big part of the population is living under poverty (ibid).

2.2 M odern history and political situation

The Philippines is a democratic republic with a constitution giving the president great influence and power since he is having the role both as the head of state and the head of government (National Government Portal 2018). The Philippines was colonized by Spain for over 300 years followed by an American dominance during the 19th century’s first half. The Philippines wasn’t declared an independent nation until 1946 but achieving an unbridled democracy was a struggle. The upcoming years the country was afflicted by political upheaval and tension (Globalis 2016). The constitution derives from 1987 after president Ferdinand Marcos was oustedby the People Power Revolution. This was a peaceful revolution through a collective resistance headed by a coalition of military, church and Christian democrats (De Dios 2018, 40). As the head of the state for the period of 1965 to 1986, Ferdinand Marcos established a more authoritarian regime

(Gloablis 2016). The time of Marcos lead is often associated with a cruel rule and violations of human rights (De Dios 2018 40).

The constitution is built upon the Anglo-American political system and is made to guarantee the freedom of expression, religion and assembly which was oppressed during the rule of Marcos (Landguiden 2018, B). However De Dios (2018, 42) claims that even though there was a shift from the authoritarian regime the political system still remained somewhat unchanged in the sense of still consisting of a small amount of affluent families.

2.2.1 The current political situation

Today, the political governance seems more stable than ever in the history. Not to mention political crisis still occurs regularly (Globalis 2016). Rodrigo Duterte, the current president, won by a landslide in the 2016 election and has since then made large changes in the Philippine political arena. According to Thompson (2016, 3) Duterte have exchanged the earlier liberal

reformist of civil liberates with a new sort of political order of an illiberal “law and order” regime.

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still lives in severe poverty, the high criminality still remains and the previous governments have failed in bringing this desired change (Landguiden 2018, C).

Duterte is the leader of the so called War on drugs (Thompson 2016, 3). Early on international critique and concerns were raised over the development in the country considering the drug campaign. Human Rights Watch predicts that 12 000 Filipinos was killed since Duterte was elected in 2016 until the end of 2017 (Human Rights Watch 2018). The International Criminal Court accuses Duterte for crimes against humanity through his drug campaign as well as other extrajudicial killings (Landguiden 2018, C).

During Duterte’s time in office he have made several misogynist statements violating women’s rights. His chauvinist language and manners have received strong reactions from women in Philippines. The remarks include rape jokes about an Australian missionary as well as

encouraging men from the troops in the battle of Marawi to rape women. Furthermore, Duterte have been doing sexually suggestive remarks, catcalling, on a female journalists in a press conference (De Dios 2018, 49). De Dios (2018, 39) argues that the recent rise of the populist and misogynist oriented regime demonstrates how fragile the development of women’s rights is. Furthermore, she claims that this political climate of weakening the rights and freedom for especially women have established some serious challenges in society.

2.3 W omen’s situation in the Philippines

Efforts for improving women’s situation in the Philippines have been included in development programs and legislative reforms promoting gender equality principles (David, Albert, Vizmanos 2017, 34). However, women still remain among one of the most vulnerable groups in the society (Philippine Statistics Authority 2016, 3).

The situation for women in the Philippines can be comprehended as contradictive. On one hand, the Filipino women are considered advanced in the areas of academic, professional, politics and legislation. Nonetheless, women still frequently suffer domestic violence, economic

disadvantages, prostitution, discrimination at public- and working places (David, Albert, Vizmanos 2017). This contradiction is further strengthen by the Global Gender Gap Report, a report of the gender equality index, in which Philippine is ranked as 10th in the world (World Economic Forum 2017). This has however much to do with the educational opportunities women have in the country and the relatively high political engagement of women (Landguiden 2018, D). Nevertheless, women still remain oppressed in the Philippine society. They suffer from sex and other gender-based abuses. Violence against women such as domestic violence, rape and trafficking still pervades in the Philippines (David, Albert, Vizmanos 2017). Furthermore, divorces and abortions are illegal in the country due to the strong position of the Catholic church which has effects on issues of women’s health and independence (Landguiden 2018, D). In the areas of Mindanao and other conflict areas women are put into further vulnerable positions due to displacement (UNICEF 2006). Overall, in Mindanao women live under more oppression of their rights compared to other parts of the country where for instance polygamy and arranged

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2.4 ICT in the Philippines

According to Primo (2003) ICT is one of the most potent forces currently shaping the twenty-first century. In the Philippines the use of Internet have exponentially grown since it was introduced (ITU 2018). This disseminated development have had impact and brought change in the way Filipinos live, the way they use and adopt their lives to these new technologies. However, many people are still left behind in the development and have not yet access to the Internet and its benefits (FMA 2015, 6).

The connectivity and adorability remains major issues in the country. The connection speed in the Philippine is among the lowest in the Southeast Asia region, yet the price range is rather high and out of budget for many Filipinos (FMA 2015, 6 f). Interestingly, the Facebook usage in

Philippines is extremely high but this portrays a very restricted use of ICT. The reason behind this high Facebook usage is supposedly due to Free Basics Facebook which provides Facebook use without incurring charges. However, the free version only allows the user to browse the timeline, write a status update, read comments but photos or videos can’t be shown and the user can’t go on external links (Palatino 2017).

In the Philippine context women’s use of ICT seem to reflect a positive development. Today, there is no longer a significant difference in women and men’s access to ICT and the gender digital divide seems to have closed (FMA 2018). The overall Internet use is around 40 percent for both men and women. However, the way it’s being used still differs and women have not yet taken the full potential of ICT (WWWF 2015, 10 ff). According to World Wide Web

Foundation’s (2015, 28) report only 18 percent of the female Internet users in Manila use it for seeking important information in areas such as health, legal rights or public transportation. The report also shows that women are restricted to sustain their already existing social networks meanwhile men in larger extent are expanding their networks which could work as a strategy for strengthen their social capital and providing work opportunities (WWWF 2015, 25).

Furthermore, only 8 percent of the female Internet users in Manila have shared their views on an important or controversial issue through Internet or on social media more than once in the last 6 months (WWWF 2015, 32). This can be related to the risk for women to be exposed of online gender-based violence which includes stalking, harassments and hate speech. Additionally, women and women’s organisations advocating for women’s rights and using Internet for political purposes are running the risk of receiving threats (Sida 2015). Another difficulty for women is the patriarchal attitudes towards ICT usage. 60 percent of the men in Manila agreed with the

statement “Men have priority over women when it comes to accessing the Internet” (WWWF 2015, 40). However, these patriarchal beliefs seem not to affect women’s usage of ICT but it might have effects such as self-censorship online (ibid, 5).

2.5 Foundation for M edia Alternatives

FMA is a non-profit NGO based in Quezon City, Philippines. The organization is a member of the international network Association for Progressive Communications (APC). FMA has the aim of democratizing information and communication systems and resources for both citizens and communities (APC 2018).

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FMA started in 1987, as a reaction to the People Power Revolution, as an alternative media supporter since this was limited during Marcos time. However, in 1997 at the time when Internet was introduced to the Philippine society FMA got more focused on ICT. They initially started to focus on generating user development and raising awareness of these new technologies by assisting other organizations in their strategic use of ICT. FMA was one of few organizations from the early start that addressed the issues of the digital divide (FMA 2018, A). Since the development of ICT, FMA has focused on how these technologies can support disadvantaged communities aiming to reach a progressive social transformation by asserting their

communication rights. FMA’s work has to some extent advanced in to contributing in the ICT policy and Internet governance field by providing research and advocacy agendas (APC 2018). FMA is working with basis of several programs; the Gender and ICT program, the Privacy program and the Internet Rights program. The Gender and ICT program has its origin already from 2001. This was in the time when they handled the data-gathering phase of Isis International

Manila’s gender research and was exposed to the gender issues of ICT (FMA 2018, A).In the Gender and ICT program FMA focuses on the intersection of ICT and gender rights and issues. This includes the use and access of ICT among women as well as concerns of online gender-based violence (FMA 2018, B). FMA seeks to reach the full potential of ICT for empowering women through increasing their strategic use of these technologies (FMA 2015, 32).

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3. Mapping the research field

This part will present an overview as well as the communalities in the research field of ICT4D (ICT for development). Furthermore, common themes in the research field such as the

empowerment theory and the obstacles and challenges in operating empowerment through ICT will be presented. Eventually, an evaluation will be done considering this study in relation to the previous studies.

3.1 Overview of the research field

Previous studies of women’s empowerment through ICT are somewhat limited. There have been studies evaluating ICT initiatives in development countries but neither in the Philippine nor in a Southeast Asia context. Asiedu (2011) reviews approaches in the gender, technology and development research that she refers as the ICT4D field. The review aims to reach an

understanding of ICT4D field by evaluating its nature, concerns and the contributions that have been done. The paper gives an overview of the themes and the methodological approaches that have been used.

The previous researches cover the topic of the intersection of women empowerment and ICT. However, the way it’s being studied differs. Some research are based on case studies of the use of ICT for different causes; for example the use of ICT for poverty alienation in Nigeria (Obayelu, Ogunlade 2006), the Sada project providing women information about their rights in Afghanistan (Sengupta et al 2007) as well as blogging initiatives in Iran in order to give the voice to women (Shirazi 2010). Other studies such as Gender digital divide in Rwanda: A qualitative analysis of socioeconomic factors aims at exploring the current status of how ICT is accessed and used by women and men differently (Mumporezea, Prieler 2017). However, some studies have in

common that they analyze the factors that contribute to the gender digital divide and the obstacles in providing women empowerment through ICT (Mumporezea, Prieler 2017; Patil, Dhere, Pawar 2009), there are studies even providing policy recommendations based on the findings (FMA 2015; Obayelu, Ogunlade 2006; WWWF 2015).

The outcomes and conclusions from previous researches show the potential of ICT as a tool for empowerment but that this potential is not yet fully benefited. Shirazi (2010) found that women’s digital activities is an effective means of mobilizing women of Iran in the struggle for a fair society. By using ICT women got their freedom of expression back which wasn’t possible through official media channels controlled by the government. Obayelu and Ogunlade (2006) found in their study that sustainable poverty alleviation is unlikely to be achieved without the proper use of ICT but that the Nigerian government needs to acknowledge ICTs role by development commitment. Patil, Dhere and Pawar (2009) also found the potential of ICT initiatives to empower rural and deprived women but that the challenges needs to be addressed, such as the social and technical obstacles, appropriated policies needs to be developed.

The conducted reports from the field shows that the access to ICT in Philippines is rather high compared to other development countries and there are no major differences regarding access between men and women. Nonetheless, access does not provide digital literacy and guarantee that the potential of ICT is used. Women are missing out on aspects that ICT can elaborate as being a source of information on important matters, a tool for reporting and expressing opinions on

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various issues as well as in looking for work opportunities (FMA 2015; WWWF 2015). 3.2 Com m unalities and themes

In the gathered researches the empowerment term is used and appropriated differently. Sengupta et al (2007) is using a women’s empowerment framework developed by Sara Longwe. This framework claims that empowerment takes place in multiple stages; welfare, access, awareness-raising, participation and control. Their study of the Sada initiative indicated that women was empowered as they progressed through the different stages. This framework is also mentioned by Patil, Dhere and Pawar (2009) in their section providing some key approaches of empowerment. However, they give another holistic definition of empowerment that is used in their study; “This paper defines empowerment as a multidimensional, gradual process by which women become aware of their subordinate position and the power structures at play in their environment; then go ahead to do something to overcome these constraints” (Patil, Dhere & Pawar 2009, 8).

Furthermore, the report of World Wide Web Foundation (2015) emphasizes that empowerment imply that there is a growth of freedom of making strategic life choices in a context where this ability was previously denied or reduced. However, in many studies, as Asiedu (2012) implies, there is missing a theoretical framework of empowerment even though the term is applied in the studies. Mumporezea and Prieler (2017) only mentions the term briefly in the conclusion:

“Women’s empowerment is focused on increasing their ability to gain control over decisions that form their lives, containing access to resources, participation in decision- making and control over distribution of benefits” (Mumporezea, Prieler 2017, 1292). Both Obayelu and Ogunlade (2006) and Shirazi (2010) are frequently using the term empowerment but no exhaustive definition is given. The lack and ambiguity of the term empowerment shows that there is an importance in this study to provide a theoretical framework and clarify the meaning.

Most of the conducted research shows ICT’s great potential for development but that it’s being restricted due to several factors. A common theme in the researches is that they examine these challenges and evaluates the difficulties preventing the full potential of ICT4D initiatives to be established. Asiedu (2012) states that previous research concludes in three major areas of concern for the ICT4D projects: ICT policies and regulations, connectivity issues dealing with

infrastructure needs and the provision of ICT services such as e-learning and e-government among others.

The remaining gathered researches conclude in similar areas of concerns. For instance Patil, Dhere and Pawar (2009) concludes in providing strategies for effective use of ICTs for women empowerment. This includes the need of content development, low cost training institutes and that women needs to be involved in designing ICT policies. Obayelu and Ogunlade (2006) concludes by providing recommendations for the Nigerian government; women must be encouraged to be part of the ICT process, they should formulate national strategies to narrow knowledge gaps and the need of development of telecenters especially for the poorest population. In addition World Wide Web Foundation’s report (2015) brings up the constraints such as online harassment, patriarchal attitudes to the Internet and offline marginalization. Concluding, there is an accordance in the research field that these obstacles needs to be addressed by decision-makers such as governmental institutions in order to be able to use the full potential of ICT for social

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change.

3.3 Positioning the study

My study does in many aspects resemble previous studies by similar method choice and comparable aims. One key insight addressed by Asiedu (2012) is the need of a theoretical framework in the study process. In addition she highlights the importance of postcolonial

feminism when conducting studies in this area in order to avoid making a Western infringement. The awareness of the postcolonial conditions is crucial to be kept in mind both during the

collection of material but also in the analysis. Furthermore, it’s important not to idealize ICT as a savior for development countries just by providing access. There is a need to study this topic on a deeper level and to avoid Western lenses that could lose on important contextual and cultural aspects. In order to contribute to the research field the outcome of this study will also be related to broader universal questions not limited to this specific case.

However, the main difference compared to previous researches is that this study focuses on the organizational practices that are undertaken rather than trying to evaluate the initiatives. Many of the previous studies address the obstacles to women's use of ICT. However, this study aims to elaborate the obstacles from the perspective of an organization working with these questions. Furthermore, Asiedu (2012) states that information of how local ICT4D initiatives have been appropriated and maintained are restricted. Therefore, the activities conducted within FMA can be valuable to study. Currently, there is a research gap in the Philippines and Southeast Asia

regarding case studies of ICT initiatives for women empowerment even though the reports show that these initiatives are needed. To summarize, more literature reviews can be found in the field of women’s empowerment through ICT. Therefore it’s of relevance to actually study real

initiatives in order to deepen the understanding of women empowerment through implementing ICT in practice.

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4. Theoretical framework

The following chapter will outline the theoretical framework of the study. As the basis ICT will be characterized and defined. Further the concept of digital divide will be elaborated by the use of Van Dijk and Garson’s distinguish. Furthermore, digital literacy and ICT4D will be presented. Lastly, the empowerment theory will be used to frame the study with basis in Kabeer and

Malhotra’s definition and framework to characterize the empowerment process. The theories will work as a basis and frame the thesis. By having a basis of theoretical concepts these can be used to as a tool for the analysis and support the empirical findings.

4.1 Information and communication technology

ICT is commonly used as an umbrella term for technologies that is accessing or spreading information. For this study ICT is concretized as digital ICT since this is most applicable to FMA’s work. Heeks (2018) defines digital ICT as “any entity that processes or communicates digital data: smartphones, laptops, computer software, apps, the Internet etc” (Heeks 2018, 10). In the context of the Global south different tools can be used to address challenges such as poverty, inequality, tyranny and climate change. Heeks claims that one of the tools that can be used in these discussions and have gotten increased interest recently is ICT (ibid, 1).

4.2 Digital divide

The gap between those who have the possibility to access the new forms of information

technology is often referred as the digital divide. However, the term digital divide has often lead to confusion by its multi ways of definitions. In the research field more researches suggest that we have to go beyond access when discussing the digital divide so that the social, psychological and cultural backgrounds can get more attention (Van Dijk 2006, 222 ff). Van Dijk (2006) has set up a model for the different types of accesses that can serve as a basis for the digital divide;

motivational access, material access, skills access and usage access.

The very basis, prior to the material access, is the motivation to use ICT. Many of the people not appropriating ICT have motivational problems, as Van Dijk states there is not simply ‘have-nots’ but also ‘want- nots’. This issue includes no need or significant usage opportunities, lack of time or liking as well as rejection of the medium caused by an intimidation or so called computer anxiety (Van Dijk 2006, 226). Primo (2003) claims that the problem of so-called technophobia can partly be caused of the fact that women have been socialized to believe that technology is a man’s domain.

Material access refers to the actual physical access to technology. This also involves factors that contribute in reaching complete connection for example subscriptions and accounts. Skills access can be divided into three under categories; operational skills, informational skills and strategic skills. Strategic skill is the final ability to use ICT as a mean for particular goals in the society. The final destination in the model is the usage access which indicates the technological

appropriation in the shape of particular applications (Van Dijk 2006, 224). For the actual usage of ICT it’s necessary to have the motivation, physical access and skills to apply. However, usage also has its own grounds and can be measured by the usage time, usage diversity, the rate of active and creative use.

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Garson’s (2006) way of defining the concept of digital divide is similar. Garson distinguish between dichotomous access, continuous access and skilled access. Digital divide defined as

dichotomous access has the meaning that access to these technologies is something you have or

have not. With this perspective studies distinguish how the digital divide differs between gender, income and race. Continuous access is a wider definition that can be used to imply other factors such as the speed of the connection, the costs and how long you can stay connected. Lastly, there is skilled access, similar to Van Dijk’s final destination of his model, meaning that the digital divide differs between groups, not only in terms of physical access, but also about the capacity to actually use the full potential of ICT (Garson 2006, 98).

4.3 Digital Literacy

As a continuation to the digital divide and in line with skilled access it’s of importance to concretize the meaning of digital literacy. In todays digital society Martin (2006, 3) claims that the ability to cope with the digital is crucial for social survival. The meaning of literacy has changed with time as new literacies have been proposed. However, the so-called digital literacy is recurring and used as a general concept.

Digital literacy can be described as the ability to understand and use the information from

different digital sources without being restricted upon lack of competence. The main qualities for digital literacy is the ability to search for information combined with a critical thinking of the gathered information. Literacy should also involve the competency of publishing and

communicating this information. Furthermore, the knowledge assembly is highlighted in the way of having the ability to gather reliable information from different sources (Koltay 2011, 216). Martin (2006) have established a holistic definition that empathize the broad meaning of digital literacy: “Digital Literacy is the awareness, attitude and ability of individuals to appropriately use digital tools and facilities to identify, access, manage, integrate, evaluate, analyse and synthesize digital resources, construct new knowledge, create media expressions, and communicate with others, in the context of specific life situations, in order to enable constructive social action; and to reflect upon this process” (Martin 2006, 19).

For simplification, Heeks (2018) is dividing digital literacy into three key areas of knowledge. The very basis is the knowledge of how to access digital data. This is the knowledge of how to use ICT but also the knowledge of certain features as searching online. Followed up is the knowledge of how to assess the digital data. This involves the very basics of understanding the language of the content but also being able to assess the relevance of the data and if it match the need. The last stage is the knowledge of how to apply digital data. Users should have the

competence to make use of the information they gathered into actions (Heeks 2018, 59). In the ICT4D field, literacy is commonly used as a tool for development. French (2015, 37f) argues that digital literacy can be an important development strategy in itself. Furthermore, it’s stated that access and literacy of ICT can enable expression as well as knowledge which is a form of power. By enabling women to have their voices heard this can promote women’s participation in the society. French claims that the digital literacy among women can “develop capacity, and through this, choice and freedom” (ibid, 38). Research is an important strategy to understand the

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barriers of women’s participation in ICT and can lay as a basis for upcoming activities. Additionally, digital literacy education and trainings occasions are essential to achieve empowerment for women (ibid, 35).

4.4 ICT4D

The potential of ICT have increased rapidly during the twenty-first century (Heeks 2018, 1) and is seen as a tool for development and social transformation (Primo 2003, 11). ICT have been raised as a solution for alleviating poverty, providing economical benefits as well as having the ability to empower marginalised groups in the society (Ai-Chi Loh 2013). This study will take a basis in Heeks (2018) distinctions of the ICT4D arena and more in depth Sen’s (1999) framework for development as freedom and the capability theory.

The intersection of ICT:s and the international development goals have been referred to different names but most frequent ICT4D is used in the context (Heeks 2018, 1). Heeks (2018) defines the area of ICT4D as “the application of any entity that processes or communicates digital data in order to deliver some part of the international development agenda in a developing country” (ibid, 12). Heeks claims that Sen’s framework for development as freedom and his capability theory can be applied in the area of ICT4D. Sen (1999, 3) argues for that development should be perceived as a process of the expansion of real freedoms. Therefore the basis of development is the removal of sources for unfreedom such as poverty, social deprivation and authoritarian regimes among others. Commonly development is described upon the growth of GNP but Sen claims that freedom depends on other crucial factors for instance social and economical arrangements and also political and civil rights.

Sen has divided freedom into five distinct types that all together helps to advance the capability of a person. The included types are; political freedoms, economic facilities, social opportunities, transparency guarantees and protective security (Sen 1999, 10). The economic freedom involves wealth and employment. Political freedom refers to the freedom of speech as well as a democratic participation. The social aspect involves literacy, in the context of this study digital literacy can be applied. Furthermore, what Sen refers as transparency can be interpreted as information

freedom such as the ability to have access to information. Lastly, security involves the freedom to be free from crimes and violence (Heeks 2018, 238).

With basis of Sen’s framework freedom should be understood as “the expansion of the capabilities of persons to lead the kind of lives they value- and have reason for to value” (Sen 1999, 18). Further Heeks explains that freedom should be understood on a basis of the two terms capabilities and functionings, in which capability is the ability for a person to achieve something, meanwhile functionings is the achievement itself. From a person’s set of capabilities, the person can seek and realise these functions (Heeks 2018, 239).

The capability framework in enlightening in the ICT area in the sense of going beyond only focusing on the ICT infrastructure and the ability to access ICT. With the capability approach it lets us focus on what could actually be achieved through ICT practices. Sen’s capability approach also enables an analysis of the barriers in reaching these capabilities such as skills, economical factors, cultural norms or the social position of the individual. This can have the result of

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deepening the understanding of the possible intervenes between ICT and its effective use (Heeks 2018, 242).

The given potential of ICT in development processes also applies to specific social groups for instance in the development of women (Heeks 2018, 239). In the ICT4D field it’s essential to also raise the gender aspect in order to bridging the gender digital divide and enable ICT to work as a tool for women’s empowerment (Primo 2003, 15). ICT can influence the economic, political and social capabilities of women. In order to reach these opportunities the gender dimensions of ICT are required to be understood but also addressed by stakeholders in society (Ibid, 9).

4.5 Empowerment theory

Asiedu (2012) mentions that most studies in the ICT4D arena takes an empowerment approach and women’s empowerment is portrayed as a hegemonic concept; striving towards expanding women’s power and allow them to enter higher societal positions. However, there is a theoretical dilemma between the meaning and measurement of empowerment in the research field and the term remains somewhat undefined. The empowerment theory is of relevance for this study since it enables to analyse how the Gender and ICT program’s activities are recognizing women’s empowerment. This study will take basis in Kabeer’s (2001) definition of empowerment and Malhotra’s (2002) different dimensions of the empowerment process.

Kabeer’s (2001) reflection of women empowerment starts in terms of the ability to make choices. However, the empowerment process should make a notion that the ability to make these choices should have been previously denied. Kabeer therefore claims that an empowerment process demands a change. People who are already powerful in the sense of obtaining many choices in their lives, are not necessarily empowered since they never were in a place of disempowerment; having a restriction of these choices. With this reflection Kabeer’s definition of empowerment is “(…) the expansion in people’s ability to make strategic life choices in a context where this ability was previously denied to them” (ibid, 19). More in depth, changes in exercising these choices can be based on three linked dimensions; resources, agency and achievements.

Resources form the conditions in which the choices can be made, it can be either material, social or human. The material aspect of economical recourses such as equipment and finance is rather given. Moreover, also the human recourses are interesting in the sense of the person own

knowledge, skills and creativity. Furthermore, aspects such as claims, obligations and expectation are important in the way of enabling people to improve their way of living that wouldn’t be possible only through individual efforts alone. Asiedu (2012, 1202) also claims that

empowerment should be on a basis of a collective in order to ensure that women can participate in decision-making but also articulate the type of information they need and know how to use it. Kabeer’s second dimension is agency. This is the centre of the process in which choices are made since it’s the ability to define and act upon the goals being set. Agency is about the motivation the individual has with the activity that could lead to an empowerment process. The outcome of the choices that have been made refers as achievements. Combined with agency, these constitutes to capabilities and the potential of people to live their lives the way the want (Kabeer 2001, 20f). In addition to the definition of Kabeer, Malhotra (2002) evaluated the current frameworks of

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empowerment in order to develop her own dimensions in which women can be empowered within. These dimensions consist of economic, socio-cultural, familial or interpersonal, legal, political, and psychological. To operationalize these dimensions Malhotra divided them into different levels that should be kept for consideration. The various spheres she uses to group indicators are household and community, regional and national, and lastly globally (Malhotra et al, 2002).

The economic dimension regards women’s own control over income and the family’s resources such as the access to employment and markets. Secondly, the socio-cultural aspect includes freedom of movement, the lack or discrimination against women as well as the commitment to educate these women. In a wider perspective this dimension also includes the participation in social networks and a shift from the patriarchal society with its norms. The socio-cultural dimension also highlights the literacy and access towards educational options for women.

Familial and interpersonal refers to the participation in domestic decision-making, giving women a control over their sexual relations and could also involve the access to safe abortions and a lack of domestic violence. The legal dimension embraces the knowledge of one’s rights, including campaigns for raising awareness of these rights. In a national sphere it’s about the use of judicial system to support women’s rights and safety. Moreover, the knowledge of political system and women’s involvement and representation in political systems or campaigns belongs to the

political dimension. Finally, Malhotra acknowledge the psychological aspect of the empowerment process. This empathizes the self-esteem and psychological well-being among women.

Furthermore, it’s also about a collective awareness of injustice and women’s experience of inclusion entitlement, as well as the acceptance of this in the society (Malhotra et al 2002, 13).

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5. Research method

This section discusses the methodological starting points for this study. Initially, the ethnographic approach will be presented followed by a discussion on participant observations and

semi-structured interviews. Furthermore, the study’s limitations as well as ethical and cultural conditions will be discussed in order to prevent methodological errors.

5.1 Ethnographic approach

The ethnographic approach is used as a basis for the study. The qualitative interpersonal methods involve an integration with the subjects the researcher aims to study (Aspers 2011, 21).

Ethnography methods, in its common shape, involve participant observations and interviews. The two of them can work as complements and create an exhaustive image of FMA and their work (ibid, 14). To reach an understanding of a field it’s crucial for the researcher to actually be present in the field, talk to the actors and observe their practices (ibid, 33).

5.1.1 Observations

The observations in the field have a complementary part of reaching an understanding of the practices in FMA. This study will carry out participant observations which means that the

researcher participates in the daily routine of the organization being studied (Aspers 2011, 109). I primarly spent my time at FMA’s office and participated in the organizations daily work for example by joining the staff meetings. During my time in field I also participated in the

conferences and lectures that FMA held. This gave me the opportunity to ask questions about the work being done.

Participant observations is a method for collecting data in a naturalistic setting by observe and take part of a certain field. By living in the context for an extended period of time the researcher can reach an understanding of the explicit but also implicit aspects of the life routines and the culture of the people in the field (De Walt 2010, 1f). De Walt claims that observations are advantageous not only for collecting data but also as matter of an analytical tool which can enhance the overall quality of the researches interpretation of the field (ibid, 10).

The observational study generated data in form of field notes, similar to a daily journal. I had a basis on a field notes template (Appendix 1) in order to process the material from the field. The field notes have the purpose of creating empirical basis used in the analysis (Aspers 2011, 121). I took field notes of the practices in the Gender and ICT program and my impressions; how the conducted activities responded to the organizations aim of using ICT for women empowerment. 5.1.2 Interviews

In practice it can be preferable to combine methods. Therefore using observations combined with conversations can be suitable (Aspers 2011, 136). The study conducted qualitative interviews of people in FMA working within the Gender and ICT program as well as some of the individuals that have been assisted by the program. By doing semi-structured face-to-face interviews the structure was comparatively open and allowed the interviewee to talk free about his or her

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to cover more in-depth information. Some follow-up interviews were conducted to fill gaps in the material and to cover new dimensions that was realized during my time in field.

I am interested in the practices within the program as well as the experienced challenges to operate the program therefore having in-depth-interviews were suitable. A semi-structured interview seeks to understand the respondent’s interpretation of the phenomena the research aims to study. The aim is to be able to cover both a factual and a meaning level in the qualitative research (Kvale 2015, 33).

The interviews were based on an interview guide consisting of certain themes I wanted to bring up and example questions. The themes and questions is in relation to the research questions. The interview guide consisted of five themes, which I was open to change depending on the outcome of the observations. The questions chosen are based on the outcomes of the previous researches as well as the theoretical framework. The themes brought up are presented in Table 1 and for the concrete questions for the members of FMA see the interview guide in Appendix 2.

Table 1: Interview themes and example questions

Theme Example of questions

General information and personal experience of working in FMA

• Can you tell me about your background? Previous work and education? • What’s you role in FMA? What’s your responsibilities?

Perception of ICT _• What opportunities do you see with ICT?

• What do you think is the most common reason for people not using ICT? Women empowerment and women’s

situation in the Philippines •

How is women’s situation in the Philippine?

• How do you consider ICT as a tool for women empowerment? The Gender and ICT program and

the practices

• Can you describe the Gender and ICT program? What are your main prioritizes and the vision?

• What actions have been taken in this program? The difficulties and possibilities of

women empowerment through ICT

• What difficulties does FMA meet in your daily work?

• What is the biggest challenge for enabling women empowerment through ICT?

The themes facilitated a pretty open interview design and allowed the respondent to have an impact on the conversation and the topics being brought up. My aim was that the respondents themselves would bring up the dimensions they found important. My role as the interviewer was to lead the respondent in to certain themes but being open towards new aspects that the

respondent can bring up and to follow up on these (Kvale, 195).

Furthermore, I focused on one community that had been assisted by FMA in digital literacy training by conducting a focus group discussion (see the interview guide in Appendix 3) and individual interviews with some women that participated in the training. By having a focus group discussion with the women it allowed me to get introduced to the community and their needs. Additionally, the more open and freely discussion made the women comfortable to speak up about their experiences of the literacy training. For having more in-depth understanding the focus-group discussion was complemented by individual interviews in the community.All the

interviews were recorded with the consent of the respondents which later was transcribed. The transcription was done soon after the interviews were conducted in order to not lose on important aspects (Kvale 2015, 32).

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The observations were done during the whole time at the field but more frequently in the

beginning in order to gain understanding of the organization. Furthermore, during the whole time in field so-called ethnographic interview have taken place. These are more informal interviews, similar to everyday conversations, with the members of the organisation. This kind of interview is a bit problematic since they are not recorded. Nonetheless, they are important in the way that they often come with new aspects since they occurred as more casual conversations. To increase the validity I tried to take notes on my phone of the key things brought up in these conversations so I was able to write down more in depth what was said straight afterwards (De Walt 2010, 137f). 5.2 Sam pling

Departing from the research aim the main interest was to interview member working in the Gender and ICT program because I was interested in their individual experiences of the work. Therefore, all of the five members working in the Gender and ICT program were interviewed. In addition, also two of the trustees of the organization were interviewed to get some background information of the organization as well as their broad experience of working with ICT for social change. Lastly, a professor in the ICT4D field from Ateneo de Manila University was interviewed to get understanding of this field in the Philippine context (see interview guide in Appendix 4). Furthermore, to broaden my understanding of FMA’s work I choose to also include interviews and a focus group discussion with women from one of the community that FMA have conducted digital literacy training in. One focus group discussion consisting of five women and three individual interviews was conducted. The individual interviews was done in order to reach more in-depth information about their use and perception of ICT. The visited community is located in Barangay 180, Caloocan City. I visited the subdivisions Victory Heights and the small shanty houses where the women and their family lived in. The reason why I visited this particular community was due to its convenience since FMA is working with the community frequently. Furthermore, the digital literacy training that took place in the community was quite recently, in September 2017, which is beneficial because the women still remembered their experiences from the training.

Altogether, 11 individual interviews and one focus group discussion were collected. The selection of the interview sample is a convenience sampling based on the practical constraints such as the limited timeframe as well as limited contacts in the field. Therefore the interviews was conducted with people that I knew would be willing to participate and be available for the interview. All the respondents have received pseudonyms in order to guarantee their anonymity.

Table 2: Interview respondents and participants in focus group discussion Members of Foundation for Media Alternatives Trustees of Foundation for Media Alternatives Professor in ICT4D in the Philippine context Women from Barangay 180, Individual interviews

Women from Barangay 180, Focus Group Discussion

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Grace Maria Joseph Sofia Rosa Jerome Narni Mariel Kyla Jasmine Angeline Christine Kyla Janelle Althea Lourdess

5.3 Analysis of m aterial

The overall material for this study consists of the interviews and the field notes. After transcribing the material it was systematically analyzed. For this study a thematic analysis was done since it’s convenient for the large amount of data and allows that material from two different methods to be put together. The final report consists of quotations being commented in the text. This could be more suitable than showing the result in a table because I want to examine the meaning and not only the factual level (Gustafsson 2012, 101).

Since I already have an interview guide with existing themes these have been used as themes for the analysis and the material was sorted after those. However, depending on the outcome of the interviews I have been open during the whole process to both merge and create new themes if necessary. I also structured the field notes around the same themes so I could analyze the material all together. In this way the field notes brought some new dimensions to the themes as well as strengthening certain findings. This can create a more nuanced analysis. The themes generated one individual word document each so that I could analyze the themes individually and find commonalities but also differences and conflicts in the material (Gustafsson 2012, 102ff). 5.4 Limitations

The terms validity and reliability have been commonly used in quantitative research but is also merging in to the qualitative research paradigm but in a redefined matter. The two terms can be useful in the sense of checking the quality of the research. Validity means that you are studying what you intended to and weather the results are truthful or not (Golafshani 2003, 597ff). Through having a basis on previous studies and an exhaustive theoretical framework internal validity is increased. Additionally, Golafshani (2003, 603) discusses that triangulation could be beneficial for qualitative studies in order to increase the validity as well as the reliability.

Therefore it could be valuable that this study combines two methods in which I can analyse if the results correspond.

Reliability is not applicable in the same traditional way as in the quantitative research since it concerns the reliability of measurement. However, Golafshani claims it still can be a useful term in the qualitative research by examine the trustworthiness of the study (Golafshani 2003, 601). Reliability is about the quality of the analysis of the material and the transparency of the study. By remaining the study process transparent, for instance by providing a detailed description of the gathering of material, the reliability is increased. In addition both recordings of the interviews and the transcriptions combined withsystematically analysed field notes will be archived.

The study is limited due to the fact I was only in field for eight weeks. Furthermore, I initially intended to interview the organizations that FMA have been cooperating with to get a broader

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understanding. However, I had very limited opportunity to interview these organizations,

especially the governmental organizations, in which they were sceptical and rejected my requests. This does however resemble an interesting aspect of the field and strengthens some findings regarding the tension between NGO and governmental organization’s cooperation.

It was beneficial that most of the interviews were conducted in English and language barriers were pretty much absent. However, the respondents in the focus group discussion and the interviews with the women from the community spoke Tangelo so a member from FMA was required to be an interpreter. This resulted in some communication barriers and I had limited opportunity to ask spontaneous follow up questions. Additionally, this was problematic since the interpreter was a represent from FMA and the way he interpreted could have been biased.

The generalization of this study is limited as in most qualitative studies since they study a smaller case. Nonetheless, qualitative researches seek instead to reach an understanding of a field in its

real-world setting unmodified by the researcher (Golafshani 2003, 600). In this sense, this study

still contributes to the research field and deepens the understanding of ICT4D initiatives. 5.4.1 Interculture and ethical considerations

When conducting a study you must be aware of the ethical and cultural conditions for the research. The Principle for Research Ethics for Human- and Social Sciences have four general principles that will be strictly followed; information demand, consent demand, confidentiality and the respect for participants personal matter (Vetenskapsrådet 2002). Moreover, since this study was conducted in an unfamiliar culture other considerations are relevant. For instance in the process of entering the field the researcher might meet distrust. It’s prerequisite to get allowance to entry the field therefore initially in my fieldwork I clarified my aim with the study (Aspers 2011, 116).

Furthermore, power imbalances are in most cases unavoidable and can cause problem when doing interviews. As a researcher it’s of value to be aware and reflect upon these power relations in order to create an atmosphere that ease the conversation (Aspers 2011, 141). Most of the people I interviewed weren’t vulnerably socioeconomically which could have been beneficial in the sense that it’s easier to relate to each other (Gustafsson 2012, 91). However, for the urban poor women it was important for me to be sensitive and take away presumptions in order to achieve trust and a respectful environment for the interview to take place in. Furthermore, it was of importance to be sensitive and thoughtful when asking about the political situation in Philippines. I made sure to not be too pushy and straightforward with my questions regarding the government. Instead I allowed the respondant to lead me into the subject if he or she was comfortable to do so. Being an outsider has its difficulties but can also be beneficial in the research. By being new in the field I had the ability to notice things people in the field take for granted. I didn’t have too much pre-understanding of the organization and their work because of the limited communication before entered the field. Nevertheless, this beneficial aspect could have been lost if I would be too dependent on and let the theory lead the study (Aspers 2011, 135).

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cultural factors for example habits, values and the narrative. These cultural differences can affect the relationship and create intercultural misunderstandings between the interviewer and the respondent. For instance I could lose extra linguistic features of communication and mistake the meaning of certain expressions (Kvale 2015, 168). Therefore it was important to establish a familiarity with the Philippine culture and spend time in the field before conducting the interviews.

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6. Result and analysis

The following section will analyse the empirical findings of the study regarding the practices for women empowerment through ICT as well as the experienced challenges. The result and

discussion is structured based on the research questions as well as consisting of subchapters that have been created based on the empirical findings.

To begin with a more throughout description of the organization and the Gender and ICT program will be presented to work as a basis for the result. The result will then outline the main practices taken in the Gender and ICT program to reach an understanding of the work done for women’s empowerment through ICT. These practices will be discussed upon how they respond to the digital divide as well as how they positions as empowering or not. Furthermore, this section will characterize the experienced challenges the members of FMA meets in their work in the Gender and ICT program. The result is illustrated through quotations from the conducted interviews.

6.1 Introduction to the field; FM A and the Gender and ICT program

This is a case study in which the organization FMA in targeted. More in depth their Gender and ICT program is being analyzed in order to reach an understanding of how ICT can be used for women’s empowerment.

The organization was founded in the context of a political change, when dictator Marcos had been resigned. This had the effect of a more open society with more freedom for the civil.

Additionally, there was a rise of NGOs including organizations of communications rights aiming towards giving back the word to the civil society since this was strongly limited during Marcos time.

The board members of FMA are proud of being one of the first organizations in Philippines to look on how the new technology affected society and how it could be connected to human rights. During the time there was few researches regarding how these technologies had impact on

development. Since FMA was one of few organizations that got an early interest in the relation of ICT and sustainable development they started assisting other groups in their need and appropriate use of ICT.

The Gender and ICT program has its origin already in 2001. However, it wasn’t formally started until 2013 in which the projects got more consistent. The program was influenced by the

connecting network APC since they have a strong women’s program in their work for ICT development. FMA’s connection to APC was beneficial for their work since they could receive advice and consultation regarding the gender aspect which was a new area for them.

“Especially when it comes to gender. It was very new for FMA as well when it was starting (…) Because nobody knew something about it so people started to develop a road map. What is it all about? Then we were conducting round table discussions to discuss what it is to people because it wasn’t known. So there is a problem, it exists, so what do we do about it? So these things, they were engaging some organizations to do small projects related to it” (Maria)

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of ICT and development in the Philippine context. The program is currently working with advocating the opportunities of ICT for women empowerment as well as contributing in

highlighting the gender based problems on the Internet and try to assist with solutions to be able to protect women in the digital space.

“Yes, we saw that there is a trend when the Internet was introduced in the Philippines. We acknowledge and recognized that it had good indicators, that Internet could provide benefits to women. But also, here comes the cybercrimes” (Grace)

6.2 Practices and conducted activities in the Gender and ICT program

Within the Gender and ICT program different practices and activities are conducted in order to promote the benefits coming from the intersection of women’s empowerment and ICT as well as working with the issues in the digital space. Based on the findings the practices have been divided in to four areas; research and spreading information, educational activities, digital literacy

trainings and policy advocacy.

6.2.1 Research and spreading information

One of the main practices in the Gender and ICT program is to conduct researches and spreading information through their social channels. Particularly, in the start of the program the research played a crucial role since the gender aspect had previously been missing in the ICT area. FMA noticed that there was a lack of understanding of how ICT could be beneficial for women. The members of FMA consider the researches important for different reasons. However, the primary reason for conducting research is to spread information about this matter since its still limited in the Philippine context. Through research they aim towards educating both the civil society but also organizations working with similar questions for instance other ICT organizations and women group organizations. Furthermore, the research can lay as a fundament for policy advocacy.

FMA primarily use Facebook as a social channel for spreading information since that’s what most Filipinos access. On their social channels they are working with awareness rising by writing posts on digital rights for instance issues of online gender based violence but also sharing the activities they conducted and participated in. FMA consider their activities online, especially content

creation, crucial in development practices. Furthermore, it fulfills what Sen refers as transparency, an information freedom, meaning that people have the ability to access to information (Sen 1999). Co-worker Joseph explains the importance of spreading information by:

“I think democratization is a matter of freedom and being able to choose. To be able to choose you need to have better information. What ICT provides, or should provide, is good information. Quicker, more reliable, factual information. That’s why we need better ICTs, to create more practiced. Better information that supposedly can give you better choices. Better choices leads to improvement, which leads to development” (Joseph)

Similar to Sen’s (1999) framework, development is described as a matter of expanding the freedoms of the individual. Moreover, this is well connected with Kaber’s (2001) distinguish of

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empowerment as an expansion of choices. The members of FMA claims that ICT can provide better information to the users in which their capabilities can be improved since they can make choices more beneficial for themselves (Sen 1999). Spreading information is also a matter of awareness rising in which is part of the empowerment process (Sengupta et al 2007).

The members of FMA consider research and spreading information on their social media accounts important since this information is yet not provided by other institutions. Schools usually don’t offer education in women’s rights, only basic human rights are taught if any. Additionally, the talk of women’s rights can be sensitive to express in some contexts therefore making it available online can make more people informed.

“The most important thing is to just spread awareness because you know if the educational institutions don’t offer it, don’t offer teaching to the students how we should respect and know about the different experiences of men and women, then who else will do that? If you cant get a group of people physically to gather then you can do it online” (Sofia)

The way the information is spread is often through online campaigns. The most recent one taking place during my time in field was the yearly Take Back the Tech campaign. This campaign is run under APC with the aim to reclaim ICT to women, safe from all forms of online gender based violence. The campaign consists of 16 days of activism online to end online gender based

violence. The campaign usually has a thematic theme every year in which this year’s was focused on online gender based violence. This includes online harassments such as hate speech, threats, privacy concerns for instance regarding cyber-stalking as well as spread of content without the individual’s consent such as sex videos and photos. Previous years the theme have been narrower for example regarding privacy concerns online and recognizing offensive material for instance sexist or stereotyped content. During the 16 days of the campaign information is spread on their social channels and workshops as well as lectures have been conducted on the year´s topic. Additionally, this year FMA joined a demonstration in Metro Manila to protest upon the misogynist government which recently have been very visible online. This activity is working towards what Sen (1999) distinguish as freedom as security, meaning that freedom is the basis of people being free form crimes and violence which also could be applied to the online space. When FMA joined the Take Back the Tech campaign they started with conducting a baseline study of violence against women and weather this is current online or not.

“One of the action we had before was to conduct a baseline study about violence against women and then they were trying to find out if there is an ICT component in terms of violence. This baseline research showed that yes there is already violence against women committed using technology. So those are pornography, prostitution and then trafficking cases. Those are some of the violence against women that was done during that time” (Grace)

To spread awareness of these cases of online gender based violence FMA started to map them on an extern website as a part of the Take Back the Tech campaign. Members of FMA considers this website valuable since it creates a safe space for women to share their experiences but also allows them to take part of other’s stories that could support themselves to report or to process if they had similar experiences.

Foundation for Media Alternatives -A qualitative study of women empowerment through ICT -

Abstract

Abbreviations and acronyms

Table of contents