wireless + mobile
Cheekay Cinco
Submitted by c5 on Fri, 09/18/2009 - 16:11.I’m mostly self-taught in the ways of the tech though I did take formal classes on web development and design in university (back in 1995, when the web was new to the Philippines). As I began my work in activism, I found myself led towards tasks that had to do with information and communication technologies (web management for a regional feminist network, database development for a regional women’s organisation, etc.).
Slowly, I discovered that aside from the joy of developing a kick-ass site that people actually use, I derived the most pleasure in training other feminists and activists in strategic technology use and appropriation. I had the fortune of being given opportunities to volunteer for various training initiatives for activists — and in all of those experiences, I found myself applying feminist values in how I conducted myself as a trainer.
So I woke up one day and realised, “yeah, I am a feminist tech trainer”, which remains, to this day, one of the best days of my life.
To me, at the core of feminist practices and politics of technologies, is women’s control over the technologies that are relevant to them. That ranges from having control over how the technology is developed to how policies are made that define how we can use and benefit from technologies.
As a trainer, feminist practices and politics of technologies is key. It shapes how we conduct training that facilitates empowerment and gives women better control over how they appropriate technologies.
I try to have as much fun as possible. Very often, the idea that women only use technologies that are relevant to the ‘serious’ aspects of their lives (work, family) is stressed. But as a feminist and a tech-nerd, I’ve discovered the value of fun in learning — and that this aspect of our lives as women must not be removed from our experience of technology.
At the same time, I will always try to stress strategic and tactical use and appropriation of technologies. To me, this includes confronting the difficult / technical aspects of technologies in ways that allow for more control instead of paralysing the user.
And I hope that my enthusiasm for tech and feminism will always come through and, at the very least, entertain participants into learning :-)
Wireless Section on itrainonline
Submitted by c5 on Fri, 09/18/2009 - 15:34.itrainonline is an excellent resource for technology trainers. It contains training curriculum and resources on a range of technologies.
The wireless section features training materials developed by experts in wireless / wi-fi technology in a various languages.
Fatima Bhyat
Submitted by c5 on Fri, 09/18/2009 - 11:53.I worked at a non-profit Internet Service Provider, back in the days when
the Internet was still very young. Since it was all quite new, it was necessary to train the NGO community (our user base) on how to use this new technology i.e Email, FTP etc. So that is where my technology training began. Although actually it probably started before that, when I first started working . The company has just moved to being computerised and I assisted the PAs that used typewriters to move to using computers and using a word processor. Yes, I’ve just given away my age.
For me feminist practices is about taking technology and tailoring it’s use to suit the needs of women and the communities they serve. There is no
reason why we need to limit ourselves to practising the use of technology in a specific and rigid way. We all know that women are creative and as
women we can best demonstrate the use of a technology to fit and suit our
own needs.
As for the politics of technology, I dont’ see technology as having any
politics. It’s more the issue of access to the technology and the politics
surrounding that. I’m happy to be involved in supporting and promoting
access to technology for women in whatever way I can.
I don’t like to use labels to describe myself. I think labels can misrepresent
who we are and can sometimes set limitations
I would best describe myself as somebody that isn’t a hardcore technologist but rather somebody that enjoys using technology to make a positive difference. Where I believe in a particular technology I will champion its uses and benefits.
As a trainer I prefer to train as part of a team. Although I’m equally happy to work on my own. I enjoy the interactive aspects of a training and believe that every training is about learning and growing. And that isn’t just for the
recipients of the training but also for the trainers themselves.
