The Gender Research in Africa into ICTs for Empowerment (GRACE) is a research project that APCNews has been covering in the past. APC’s women programme in Africa (AAW) also engaged with the project over the last months. But where is it at? Capacity building workshops were held in July 2005 and June 2006, with a third workshop planned for July 2007.
GRACE explores the ways in which women in Africa use information and communication technologies (ICTs) to empower themselves. It looks into the external and structural barriers, as well as the internal factors which prevent or enable them to use ICTs to their advantage. Last but not least, the GRACE research teams take a in-depth look at the strategies women in Africa employ to overcome these impediments.
At the first workshop the GRACE researchers consolidated their methodological approaches, learnt how to use a qualitative analysis ICT tool (NVivo), gained other advanced ICT and knowledge networking skills, learnt how to use digital cameras and recorders and how to edit sound and images using their computers.
The second workshop focused on enhancing research writing skills and provided an opportunity for focused discussion on the research conducted. This two-and-a-half-year project – from April 2005 to September 2007 – is being implemented by Research for the Future, based in Cape Town.
For further information, contact Ineke Buskens, the Project’s Leader and Research Director: Ineke@researchforthefuture.com or visit the GRACE website which will be launched in April 2007: http://www.GRACE-network.org
Read the full March 2007 update on GRACE here: http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=5038333
