I would like to inform you that the Task Force for IS in Macedonia organized a workshop for finalizing the strategic document which was created by governmental commission, and which is to be adopted by the Parliament of R. Macedonia in April 2005. The document should contribute in connecting of the activities in the field of ICT in the Republic of Macedonia and will be in accordance with the programs, project and structural funds of European Union.

This document contains the overall strategy and plan of action for development of information society in Macedonia.

I took a part of this process, as representatives of women NGO Akcija Zdruzhenska.

At the final meeting Task Force participants expressed a need for widening the member’s knowledge of gender issues and gender sensibilisation. The Task Force consisted of, among others, parliamentarians, university professors, governmental officers, advocate, officers from the ministry of defense, the advisor of the president on economical issues, representatives of the business sector (predominately managers of companies dealing with IT), representatives of non-governmental organizations dealing with IT and PR agency representatives.

In a series of informal discussions the Task Force team raised the question of gender sensibilisation, and implementing of gender sensitive politics. During these conversations the Task Force showed a strong interest for these issues. They also felt challenged by these questions especially as they lack a basic reference with which to understand them. They expressed a strong interest in visiting and attending a training session on gender sensibilisation.

This is very encouraging since it is coming from a group which predominantly consists of men and politicians, who, to date, had never shown interest in such matters, and were firmly situated in established rigid patriarchal positions. Since this is a group of opinion makers, which will have strong influence and active role in the implementation of the Action Plan for IC, and even more so, since they will have an active role in the creation and implementation of other politics of vital importance for the development of the country, we believe this is a chance that should not be missed!

This is very encouraging step forward and therefore we are eager to grasp this opportunity and organize a three day workshop for gender sensibilasation.

We consider that this is a great step forward for strengthening gender awareness especially in the context of women and ICT among some of the highest political representatives.