UCA News
Contribute

Bridging the gender gap in cyberspace

Ecclesia meeting in KL is a vital source of empowerment
Bridging the gender gap in cyberspace
Participants of the fifth biennial conference of the Ecclesia of Women in Asia in Kuala Lumpur
Published: November 14, 2011 08:58 AM GMT
Updated: November 14, 2011 08:58 AM GMT

Asian women’s feminist perspectives on Wired Asia - Towards an Asian Feminist Theology of Human Connectivity garnered academic audiences in the West for the first time at a theological conference in Asia. The session, part of the fifth biennial conference of the Ecclesia of Women in Asia (EWA), was linked to locations half a world away, where three papers were delivered to a global audience by representatives from US universities. Topics ranged from the integration of technology and women’s rights to the dangers for women of social media. Papers also addressed the ways in which technology has been used to bridge the gender gap for women by giving them alternative avenues for expression and activism. The conference, which ran from November 5-9, also included reflections on the ways in which the democratic nature of cyberspace poses both challenges and opportunities for women, and saw the publication of Practising Peace: Feminist Theology of Liberation, Asian Perspectives, which is a compilation of papers delivered at last year's conference. In light of threats that range from identity theft to cyber-bullying, women must be trained to become effective netizens in the global digital networked age to use technology effectively and safely. The virtual world has an impact on the real one, as can be seen in the changes taking place about ideas about public and private life and in demands for transparency and accountability, while new benchmarks for authority are being considered. Connection does not necessarily constitute a bridge between individuals and groups. Therefore, women have to be conscious of using the connected world of the internet to overcome gaps in Asia between rich and poor, male and female, and majority and minority populations. Women must also be aware that cyberspace is a capitalist venture that feeds masculine fantasies. Women are insignificant as owners of capital, so those who have little or no voice must negotiate for space. “There will always be lights and shadows in the digital world,” said Dr Pauline Cheong from Arizona State University. “There is a need to continue to question, and not to take things at face value. What is offered for free might not always be free. What are the true costs of being connected 24 by seven? Does it enhance my health, my relationships and my lifestyle?” A dialogue with women working to bring about change within other faith traditions is a regular feature of the biennial EWA conferences. Women found much common ground in dialogues with the Sisters in Islam, represented at this year’s conference by Marina Mahatir, daughter of the former prime minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad. Mahathir shared with participants how the Sisters have taken up issues such as violence against women, imposition of the hijab, the impact of bigamy, male authority in Islam and legislation for the protection of women’s rights. EWA was founded in Bangkok in 2002 as a space created by women theologians in Asia to give visibility to their contributions to shaping and transforming the Church and the world. The group organizes its biennial conferences to reflect on relevant current topics to encourage deeper reflection on these issues and how they affect the lives of ordinary Asian women. The EWA has evolved over the course of more than a decade from a forum for academic papers to a body that implements practical policies for reflection, action and transformation. Its continued growth could make it a vital source of women’s empowerment in the rapidly changing world of the 21st century.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia