Asian Women in the Information Age. New Communication Technology, Democracy, and Women
ed. by Ila Joshi

Singapore: Asian Media Information and Communication Centre
s.d. Pp. VII + 205. ISBN 9971-905-72-3

The book is a collection of papers written by Asia women on the New Communication Technologies (NCTs) and their impact on women. The papers refer to the situation in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and the Philippines. This study, which was initially the product of a research project conducted in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, addresses the variety of cultural realities in the region and offers several perspectives on the effects of the NCTs. In fact, each successive wave of NCTs has arrived claiming to herald a new democratic age, promising greater awareness and political participation for all elements of society. However, where gender equality is concerned, the influence of NCTs has often been less than neutral.

This book examines the implications that NCTs have had for democracy on Asia women. It covers the extent to which women are utilizing them, and highlights the cultural, social and political barriers they face in using them. It also addresses some of the negative aspects of these technologies such as the prejudices regarding women's facility with technology and the stereotypical portrayal of women by the mass media.

review by E. Garzilli