Gender, ICT and Millennium Development Goals for Sustainable Development in West Africa

Abstract

The year 2015, the target date to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, is fast approaching, and it is now time to assess some significant landmarks. For example, to what extent is the gender component incorporated in MDGs? To what extent is MGD 3 (gender equality and women empowerment) progressing towards its full achievement in West Africa? Are West African countries committed enough to incorporate MDG3 in their national policies? How are MDG3 and MDG 8 (information and communication technologies) linked in the progress towards sustainable development? What measures are in place to achieve MDG 3 and MDG 8 for development at country-specific levels? To find answers to these pressing concerns, a descriptive and analytical approach is utilized here. Case studies, government reports and country-specific MDG reports are considered in order to deduce the relevant information. The findings reveal that there is a lack of gender-responsive ICT in West African countries. This article aims to provide policy recommendations to improve the situation.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n21p405