International Knowledge Network of

Women in Politics (iKNOW Politics)

Piyoo Kochar

Project Manager

Preface: Women and Technology

Women‟s capacity to exploit potential of new ICTs as tools for empowerment in constrained in different ways in different regions. Even the generalized ways in which both men and women may be considered equally affected, these overall constraints filtered through specific gender-based determinants cause women to be particularly disadvantaged.

One resource that challenges status quo and empowers people is knowledge and its widespread dissemination.

Engendering of knowledge networks opens up avenues for women to freely articulate and share their experiences, concerns and knowledge with the possibilities of their further enrichment as the same pass through a gamut of network users.

What is ICT?

Information Communication Technologies include:

Radio

Video/ TV

Internet

Website

Social networking through social media

Micro-blogging

Cell phone/Telephone

Online / Offline Newspaper

Technology and Politics: Possibilities

Information Communication technologies are slowly becoming a part

of life

There is an information overload and people are always looking for

a „one stop shop‟

Using technology in politics a nascent process but fast growing

Like any other technology it can either serve the purpose or distract

from the message – Key is to make it work for you!

If Politics is about Change then

Technology can be an enabler

Use of technology in politics requires “perfect matching of political

philosophy, messaging and technology”

Technology is NO substitute for content

Technology is part of an overall political strategy, it is not a strategy

in and of itself

Best results from use of technology possible only when its use is made

inherent to the system – it cannot be only seen as the „face‟ but has to

be part of the body!

iKNOW Politics: An Example

iKNOW Politics: An Example

iKNOW Politics uses a combination of an online

platform + social media tools to support women and

those who are in politics.

The online platform

provides:

Access to resources and

information

Sharing of experiences

and building knowledge

Current and up-to-date

activities

Integrating Social Media

enables:

Reaching a larger

audience

Cross fertilization of

experiences from around

the world

Providing almost „real

time‟ information

Online Network

Experts

70 experts from 35 countries

Users and Diffusers

Ongoing Discussions

18000+ subscribed members

Global + Regional

Over 185 contributions to ongoing discussions

Free Library Resources

5000+ free resources in 4 languages

Using Social Media

iKNOW Politics integrates :

Facebook

Twitter Along with its online platform in

4 languages

Live Webcast - English

- French

- Spanish

- Arabic

Using Social Media

Twitter

First time used by iKNOW Politics

during a 2009 launch event

Providing real time „mirco blogs‟ (in

140 characters) of presentations and

discussions

Generated discussion on key messages

Building a network

Drew traffic to the online platform

Using Social Media

Live webcast

Integrated with twitter

Visitors increased by 20%

Connecting with members around the world

Facebook

Go where the audience is

Reaching audiences by providing information

Tapping on already existing networks

Building interest

“Earned Media” through internet

Earned media, as opposed to paid media, refers to any time the mass

media (television, newspapers, radio) repeat message as a news

item.

Internet is an effective way to disseminate messages that turn into

earned media

Eliminates the need for “big money” in advertising

Earned media usually picks up items that are quirky, creative and

controversial (example “culture en peril”)

Power of many: “going viral”

Social Media is NO different in principal than

traditional media

– Letter to the editor, radio call ins

The difference is:

– Speed >

– Audience >

– Multiplier Effect >

– Cost <

*CAUTION: everything is public

Lessons learnt thus far…

“New” Spaces for Women

Connecting Women to Each Other

Changing Stereotypic Roles

All communication is “immediate”

Crowd-sourcing

Network of Networks

Exchange Knowledge: Library

Video Testimonials

Thank You!

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