Women and Elections

The participation of women in democratic processes is of key importance. There can never be true democracy without the inclusion of women and those that were previously disadvantaged and marginalized. While women's participation in these processes is still viewed as vital, women are still faced with obstacles, yes, certain level of progress has been made but women still face obstacles.

According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), women constitute the majority of people on the Voters' Roll but their representation and participation in politics is still low.

The issue of access to information is still a huge factor in voter education and this has negative consequences in empowering women as electorates. Women still have problems with access to basic information. This is partly due to the fact that women have traditionally not involved in politics and they relied on their husbands to make decisions for them. Hence a woman who is educated as an electorate and has access to information is able to make an informed decision and take part in the democratic process of voting.

The use of ICTs and women
In recent years, ICTs have played an increasing role in educating voters, and enabling political engagement with voters. We have just seen a lot of political parties take up digital electioneering to woo electorates and keep them informed on their activities. What does this translate to in terms of making information accessible? What about the millions of the South African population still with no access to the internet? How do they access the political parties' manifestos? Are we not being too advanced for the average South African and thus excluding the masses?

The voices of women, particularly who live in rural areas or in the inner cities, or whose work does not include the use of computers and the internet, are absent online. The use of cell phones by, for instance, the Independent Electoral Commission, does offer some access, but this information is very limited (to 160 characters and to specific question-and-answer formats on voter registration) and does not allow for debate.

While issues of access, skills and relevance are important in using ICTs, unless women are empowered to use ICTs and their voices reflected online, their relative disadvantage will increase exponentially. Rather, issues affecting women's use of ICTs must be addressed in campaigns and through skills development, in both of which Women'sNet is engaged in both. WomensNet has successfully engaged with women and empowered them to use these technologies through our projects.