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WSIS - WORLD SUMMIT ON THE INFORMATION SOCIETY - WOMEN

CHALLENGES OF GENDER ISSUES, PRESENCE, ADVOCACY, POWER, FINANCING, OUTCOMES

http://groups.itu.int/wsis-forum2012/Agenda/DraftAgenda.aspx

http://groups.itu.int/wsis-forum2012/Information/WSISForum2012.aspx

Draft Agenda

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WSIS History - Overview

http://groups.itu.int/wsis-forum2012/Information/WSISOverview.aspx

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is a unique two-phase United Nations (UN) summit that was initiated in order to create an evolving multi- stakeholder platform aimed at addressing the issues raised by information and communication technologies (ICTs) through a structured and inclusive approach at the national, regional and international levels. The goal of WSIS is to achieve a common vision, desire and commitment to build a people-centric, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society where everyone can create, access, utilize and share information. The UN General Assembly Resolution 56/183  (21 December 2001) endorsed the holding of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in two phases. The first phase took place in Geneva from 10 to 12 December 2003 and the second phase took place in Tunis, from 16 to 18 November 2005. In 2003, the number of participants was 11,000 representing 175 countries and in 2005 the number of participants was more than 19,000 representing 174 countries. Since then, a cluster of WSIS-related events was held on an annual basis . In 2009, the cluster of WSIS-related events was rebranded as WSIS Forum.

Geneva Phase: 10-12 December 2003

The objective of the first phase was to develop and foster a clear statement of political will and take concrete steps to establish the foundations for an Information Society for all, reflecting all the different interests at stake.

Nearly 50 Heads of state/government and Vice-Presidents, 82 Ministers, and 26 Vice-Ministers from 175 countries as well as high-level representatives from international organizations, private sector, and civil society attended the Geneva Phase of WSIS and gave political support to the Geneva Declaration of Principles and Geneva Plan of Action that were adopted on 12 December 2003. More than 11,000 participants from 175 countries attended the Summit and related events.

· Full texts of the Geneva Declaration of Principles and Geneva Plan of Action

· More on the first phase of WSIS

Tunis Phase: 16-18 November 2005

The objective of the second phase was to put Geneva's Plan of Action into motion as well as to find solutions and reach agreements in the fields of Internet governance, financing mechanisms, and follow-up and implementation of the Geneva and Tunis documents.

Nearly 50 Heads of state/government and Vice-Presidents and 197 Ministers, Vice Ministers and Deputy Ministers from 174 countries as well as high-level representatives from international organizations, private sector, and civil society attended the Tunis Phase of WSIS and gave political support to the Tunis Commitment and Tunis Agenda for the Information Society that were adopted on 18 November 2005. More than 19,000 participants from 174 countries attended the Summit and related events.

· Full texts of the Tunis Commitment and Tunis Agenda for the Information Society

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http://www.itu.int/wsis/docs2/tunis/off/7.html

WSIS 2005 Tunis Commitment Document

23. We recognize that a gender divide exists as partof the digital divide in society and we reaffirm our commitment to women’s empowerment and to a gender equality perspective, so that we can overcome this divide. We further acknowledge that the full participation of women in the Information Society is necessary to ensure the inclusiveness and respect for human rights within the Information Society. We encourage all stakeholders to support women’s participation in decision-making processes and to contribute to shaping all spheres of the Information Society at international, regional and national levels. _____________________________________________________________________

 A STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE WSIS GENDER CAUCUS 2005

The WSIS Gender Caucus is a multi-stakeholder group of women and men whose main strategic objective is to ensure that gender equality and women’s rights are integrated into WSIS and its outcome processes.

The WSIS-Gender Caucus is seriously concerned that only a fraction of the recommendations made in the Tunis Plan of Action reflect the realities on the ground. The opportunity to ensure gender justice and equality in the Information and Knowledge Society was not fully realized. Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we cannot claim that we are building a World Information Society without assuring the channels and means for the full participation of all women and men . 
On behalf of women from all regions, the WSIS Gender Caucus believes that implementation of the Geneva and Tunis commitments can only be possible through the inclusion of women's skills, leadership, different ways of communication and women’s rights as key values of the operation and implementation mechanisms of the World Information Society. The members of the WSIS Gender Caucus are committed to continue working with all partners towards equal participation of women and men at all levels in the World Information Society. 
The WSIS Gender Caucus calls on all national governments to adopt a multi-stakeholder consultative approach that will benefit both women and men on equal footing, to provide funding for projects aimed at bridging the gender digital divide, supporting the use of appropriate Information and Communication Technologies such as community radio, and to ensure the participation of women in all Information Society decision making structures.
This is the most effective way to ensure the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and end world poverty.
Lettie Tembo-Longwe
WSIS Gender Caucus Interim Chair
Tunis Summit - 18 November 2005