Science and technology development in developing countries should be gender-sensitive - UNCTAD

Geneva, 12 December 2011 - Governments should take concerted steps to include women and their concerns in their efforts to boost economic growth through science, technology and innovation, a new UNCTAD report urges.

The report, Applying a Gender Lens to Science, Technology, and Innovation[1], was prepared as a contribution to the fifty-fifth session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

Based on an examination of women's roles in a number of sectors such as agriculture, water, energy, and transport, the report argues that science, technology, and innovation - known by the acronym STI - will not have the broadly positive effects sought in less-wealthy regions of the world if STI policies do not specifically take into account the needs and talents of half the global population.

Further gains in development depend on fully appreciating women's engagement in economic life and in society, the report contends; policy should be attentive not only to the differing impacts STI can have on men's and women's lives, but also to the significant part women play in economic growth. This approach should be followed throughout the process of STI policymaking: from policy analysis and design to implementation. Recognising this is what the report calls applying a "gender lens".

"Pursuing gender-sensitive STI policies is not only a human development issue; it is also smart economics," explains Anne Miroux, Director of UNCTAD's Technology and Logistics Division.

The report identifies three areas for policy action:

Science for women: developing science and technology that support women's development and livelihood activities, especially in areas such as agriculture, water, energy and transport;

* Women in science: promoting gender equality in science, technology and engineering education, careers and leadership;

* Women in innovation: encouraging and supporting the role of women in innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship at the national and grass roots levels.

Among the report's recommendations for national governments:

* Conduct impact assessments of policies related to STI for development to ensure that they benefit men and women equally;

* Take into account when developing STI policies the extensive work done by women in areas such as agriculture, water and energy use;

* Expand the education of women in scientific and technological fields, and in entrepreneurship, so that this reservoir of talent can boost economic growth and raise living standards;

* Ensure that women have equal access to financing, land and markets so that businesses they found and the science and research they perform can have their full developmental impacts;

* Support the participation of women in STI decision-making at all levels.

Among the report's recommendations for international action:

* Publicise and share examples or case studies of successful efforts to include gender concerns in STI policies and programming.