"Creating Partnerships" - The First Global Conference for Women and the Digital Divide

Preliminary Announcement:
The First Global Conference for Women and the Digital Divide
"Creating Partnerships"

May 8, 9 and 10, 2002
The Four Points Sheraton Hotel and Conference Centre
Ottawa-Hull, Canada

The First Global Conference for Women and the Digital Divide is an important
gathering of those in the developed and developing worlds who are concerned
about gender issues and the growing inequity in access to, and use of,
essential
information and communications technologies in the developing regions.

The conference acknowledges the critical roles that women play in the
community,
in the physical health of society, in the education of the youth, in the
functioning of business and the economy -- in all facets of life. The
conference
further recognizes the growing role that information and communications
technology can play in closing the gap between the levels of service
available
to those in the developed world and those in the developing world. Women
must
play a leadership role in ensuring that this gap narrows.

The conference is sub-headed "Creating Partnerships" to demonstrate its
commitment to encouraging the development of an action agenda based on
supportive collaboration between new partners from both sides of the Divide,
and
there are critical opportunities for the private sector to foster these
collaborations. The organizers foresee a continuum with gatherings every two
years -- Strengthening the Programs in 2004 and Measuring the Impact in
2006.

The conference is in the early stages of organization. Plenary sessions will
focus on understanding the leadership roles that women play in the
developing
regions as community organizers, as nurturers and healthcare providers, as
educators, as traders in the markets -- and understanding the body of
experience
that is building around the role of information and communications
technology
and development. Break-out sessions will look at the development of
collaborative activities in sectors such as the community, in health, in
education and in business enterprise.

May 8 Opening Reception and brief Plenary
May 9 and 10 Plenaries and Break-outs
May 10 Closing Benefit Concert

The conference will bring together some 300 experts, champions and those
with
energy and concern from all regions of the world.

The Four Points Sheraton is a modern hotel and conference facility in the
downtown core of Canadas National Capital Region. It sits, with views of
the
Ottawa River and the Houses of Parliament, beside the impressive Museum of
Civilization.

The conference occurs at a beautiful time of the year in Canada and is in
the
middle of the Canadian Tulip Festival, the largest in the world, held
annually
in Ottawa and Hull. 2002 marks the 50th anniversary of the festival and
promises
to be an event of international acclaim.

For more information on supporting and participating in the First Global
Conference on Women and the Digital Divide, contact:

The Commonwealth of Learning
1285 West Broadway, Suite 600
Vancouver, Canada V6H 3X8
+1 (604) 775-8200
http://www.col.org

Knowledge Resources Canada
85 OConnor Street
Ottawa, Canada K1P 5M6
+1 (613) 688-0177

For more information:
Grant Thomas
[email protected]
+1 (613) 688-0177