week 1 assignment

JOURNAL OF GENDER AND EDUCATON
The internet also referred to as 1.0 has existed for over a decade now. The Web 2.0 is the second stage of the internet and therefore it is an enhancement of the internet. Web 2.0 is a collection of websites to form one complete platform that allows interactivity and social networking through blogs, wikis, you tube and others.
Web 2.0 is an exciting tool. It can reach many people within a fraction of a second as it is instantaneous. That means within a short period of time many people can be connected and they are able to exchange ideas across the world. Unlike the traditional media which was one way web 2.0 allows for two way communication as one becomes an active participant rather than just receivers .Another exciting feature of this tool is that it has a personal touch and allows for people to express their views freely. Added to this is that web 2.0 is not under any Government control like the traditional median and it is self regulating and therefore no victimization and intimidation. In other words the user owns the technology. In a world full of escalating inflation web 2.0 is a cost effective tool within the reach of all social classes in the society.
Web 2.0 if well utilized brings various solutions to the global women’s empowerment movement. Women are not offered adequate room through the Traditional media. They have no say in what content to be aired or written and placement of issues affecting women is usually biased and in most cases do not appear at all. This is because women are not well represented in managerial positions in those media houses where by you will find men making the highest number as gate keepers. In the rural areas the tendency is for the man to control even the small transistor radio and he switches it on and off at will. Web 2.0 therefore provides the women with a forum to be educated, to be generators of content and news that concern them. Web 2.0 can help women create the voice of a woman “blog”. Web 2.0 also removes the notion where women are delegated as second class citizens. They are citizens with equal rights who can make decisions and actively participate in the democratic movement and be heard across continents. It is an opening to mobilize women.
As an individual web 2.0 and its associated tools can help to create networks, collaborations and partnerships It helps to connect with people who like me, have same interests and undergoing same experiences. It becomes a source of strength to know that women all over the world have same tribulations. It is an opportunity for me to enroll for online courses and gain knowledge which may not have been possible due to family responsibilities. It can also empower me economically as I can engage in businesses and consultancies .It is definitely a cheaper mode of communication for me.

Mary Wambaria