Empowerment of Women Through Science and Technology Interventions/Nam S&T Centre

Market economy trends in the new era of globalization have widened the gap between education and technology opportunities for men and women. Women are a great human resource and their role in the society is vital for its progress. The involvement and engagement of women in the present day Information Society on an equal footing with men would directly contribute to improving the livelihood of people, making it more sustainable and thereby promoting the social and economic advancement of societies. Science and Technology brings economic growth and well-being to people. Undoubtedly, science and technology can be vastly enriched through women's involvement, which closely links to the empowerment of women through science and technology. It is not the concern of one nation only, but there are many players and stakeholders in the aim to reach this millennium goal. Women empowerment may be through innovative scientific activities, integrating action oriented literacy, sound micro-finance and micro-enterprise training as well as an understanding of legal rights and advocacy. Apart from the efforts of the United Nations family of organizations, multilateral bodies and civil society, the positive role of women also depends on the supportive attitudes of their local family unit, the local community in each village and town. This book is primarily based on the deliberations of the International Workshop on Empowerment of Women through Science & Technology Interventions held in Tehran, Iran from 14-16 December, 2008, but a number of articles have been contributed by other eminent experts on the subject. This material is expected to contribute to the understanding of how science and technology can contribute to the upliftment of the status of women and can empower them to gain their rightful place in the society. The data and materials presented in this volume would hopefully serve as a reference material for the professionals working in the field of women's empowerment.