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*APCNews, the monthly newsletter of the
Association for Progressive Communications (APC)*
- October 2005 No. 56 -
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-- NEWS FROM THE MEMBERS --
-- NEWS FROM APC --
-- ICT POLICY & INTERNET RIGHTS --
-- BUILDING CAPACITY & STRATEGIC USE OF ICTs --
-- WOMEN & ICTs --
-- ONLINE TOOLS & RESOURCES --
-- COLLABORATING OPPORTUNITIES -
-- IMPORTANT DATES --
-- SITES OF INTEREST --
-- COUNTDOWN TO THE WSIS --
-- WHERE IN THE WORLD IS APC NEXT MONTH --
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-- NEWS FROM THE MEMBERS --
BYTES FOR ALL, SOUTH ASIA: Lessons from Siem Reap...software is not just
a tech issue
BytesForAll co-founder Frederick Noronha, an active Free
Software evangelist, went to Cambodia's small town of Siem Reap.
But his goal wasn't to reach out to the splendour of the Ankor Wat
temple structures nearby. Rather, it was to take part in
FOSSAP-II, the Free and Open Source Software Asia-Pacific
Consultation 2005. FN, as he is known in the GNU/Linux circuit,
brings home lessons picked up in the longish essay below and
stresses the need to build links between two sets of natural
allies -- Free Software and not-for-profit organisations. - APCNews
http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=1721293
BYTES FOR ALL, SOUTH ASIA: A blog, plus audio, from Geneva
Podcasting hasn't yet caught on among the alternate circuit but
Partha Pratim Sarker of APC member BytesForAll got off to a quick start
at Geneva. At the Prep Com 3 events, Sarkar took along recording
equipment to do what he described as a "sort of audio blogging
with an rss feed". APC's Lenka Simerska, on hearing it,
commented: "Cool blog, really! I find it useful and refreshing
to use a combination of written word and voice. I had a problem to
listen initially... But on the second try it worked well." Podcasting
is a method of publishing audio programmes via the internet,
allowing users to subscribe to a feed of new files (usually
MP3s). It first became popular in late 2004. - APCNews
http://bytesforallparthadhaka.blogspot.com/
FOUNDATION FOR MEDIA ALTERNATIVES, PHILIPPINES: Bridge-building,
Philippines-style: linking Free Software and non-profits
The Philippines is moving fast ahead in the task of building
bridges between non-profits and free and open source software
(FOSS). LinuxWorld Philippines, is the biggest and only
nationwide FOSS event in that country. - APCNews
http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=1693586
ITeM, URUGUAY: International financial institutions -- seeking reform in
Latin America
The IFIs Latin American Monitor -- http://ifis.choike.org/ --
aims to contribute to the global and Latin American follow-up
campaign to promote reform of the international financial
institutions. It is an initiative of APC member, the Instituto del
Tercer Mundo (Third World Institute), with financial support from the
Mott Foundation. The Monitor selects, produces, translates and
disseminates information and analysis about the Bretton Woods
institutions in Latin America. Dialogue and collaboration is
thus promoted among key actors, contributing to an enhanced
North-South interaction. Since September, the Monitor publishes
a monthly bulletin that contains the main news and the most
outstanding reports, produced for our team, research centres,
non-profits, the press, and experts in these subjects. - Choike
To receive a free bulletin, fill in the form:
http://www.choike.org/nuevo_eng/tools/suscripcion3.html
NODO TAU, ARGENTINA: Nodo Tau is celebrating 10 years of activism
APC member Nodo Tau is turning 10 in October 2005. For the occasion, the
Argentinian organisation is hosting two popular events that put emphasis
on alternative news. On October 4, a first panel discussion on the theme
of "Alternative media: strategies to foster the inclusion of social
organisations' perspective into the information agenda" was followed by
a second panel on "Communication experiences of social organisations".
On October 29, a social networking event with organisations using good
practices (http://www.enredando.org.ar) will take place in Rosario.
- APCNews
http://www.tau.org.ar/
UNGANA-AFRIKA, SOUTH AFRICA: APC member Ungana-Afrika wins 2005 Dirk Award
APC member Ungana-Afrika has won this year's Dirk Award, given
annually to circuit or eRiders making an extraordinary
contribution. eRiders are ICT capacity-builders for development
organisations, and work in a movement which spans over 20
countries. - APCNews
http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=1446919
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-- NEWS FROM APC --
LAST CHANCE TO APPLY! APC BETINHO COMMUNICATIONS PRIZE: Community
connectivity for economic development in Latin
America and the Caribbean
In 2005, the APC Betinho Prize is offered in recognition of
community initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean that use the
internet and other networks to access markets, skills and opportunities
to derive real economic benefits.
We are looking for ICT initiatives that:
* make a positive economic contribution to the community
* are driven and developed in Latin America and the Caribbean
* can demonstrate a sustainable use of technology.
http://www.apc.org/english/betinho/ Deadline for applications: October
16 2005 24:00 GMT
APC face-to-face in Bulgaria debate "Open Access for All"
Open source, open content, open access, open standards, open
processes... Many of us in civil society claim we are committed to any
number of "open-nesses" but can we put our hand on our heart and say
that we really walk-the-talk?
As Äúsocial techiesÄù APC and partners are committed to supporting and
promoting the use of computer and internet technology as an empowerer --
as something to help social justice and development workers meet their
goals. At an Open Day hosted by APC and our host member in Bulgaria,
BlueLink, which was a real learning event, APC, BlueLink and guests
examined and exchanged experiences and know-how on the complexities and
realities and the issues at the heart of real Äúopen access for allÄù. Äì
APCNews
http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=1848226
TRIBUTE TO OUR FRIEND, COUNCIL AND BOARD MEMBER, CHRIS NICOL
On Monday 29 August 2005 the APC network lost someone who was a
colleague, a leader and a friend. Chris Nicol, member of the APC
council and also of the APC executive board, died in Barcelona
after more than a year of struggle against cancer. For much
of the time during this battle Chris was winning, continuing to
work, travel and network when the difficult cycle of surgery and
treatment left him with any spare time.
http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=1175647
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-- ICT POLICY & INTERNET RIGHTS --
NEW PAPER: Interconnection costs
Communication infrastructures are changing at such an
accelerated pace that while new technologies are released
continuously, we are still ignorant about questions of internet
interconnection. While the users of the North reap the benefits
brought about by information and communication technologies'
advances, the users of the South are increasingly prevented from
taking advantage of the innovations. Leading among the many
factors, the privatisation of this sector's operations in the
industrialised countries and the adoption of new technologies
have reduced the financial flows of the network towards the
developing world. Available in English and Spanish. - APCNews
http://rights.apc.org/papers.shtml
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-- BUILDING CAPACITY & STRATEGIC USE OF ICTs --
Cantennas, taking wi-fi to rural areas. Affordably.
A "Cantenna"? What's that? It's a solution that comes out of
using empty tin cans and other simple tools that a lot of
communities can afford. "Cantenna" technology can make wireless
connection cheaper for poorly served rural areas and
economically disadvantaged African people who do not have access
to internet connectivity. This is what emerges from a report on
an APC-run series of capacity-building workshops in Africa.
http://mybroadband.co.za/nephp/?m=show&id=785
Balancing Act-Africa: http://www.balancingact-africa.com
Africa initiative on free software options for non-profits
Africa Source II, an attempt to enhance Free and Open Source
Software (FOSS) skills of those working with non-profits in the region
will be held in early January 2006, at Kalangala Island on Lake
Victoria, Uganda. This eight day hands-on workshop is aimed at helping
those working with NGOs on the continent to acquire technical skills and
APC is one of the partner organisations organising the event.
- APCNews
http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=1852544
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-- WOMEN & ICTs --
PRIZE ANNOUNCEMENT: Bangladesh mobile help-line for women tops gender
and ICT awards
A mobile help-line service that takes information to the poor in
Bangladesh, an information and communication technologies (ICT)
centre that shares skills with marginalised women in India, and
a venture that encourages home-based careers for Malaysian women
won this year's Gender and Information & Communication
Technology (GICT) Awards sponsored by the Association for
Progressive Communications Women's Networking Support Programme
(APC WNSP) and the Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP).
- APC WNSP
http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=1539037
NEWS: Gender, ICT and...ostrich eggs?
What do ostrich eggs, free attitudes, ICT and graciousness have
in common? An exciting new research initiative that brings
together African researchers to study Africa, ICTs and women's
empowerment, called GRACE. The Gender Research in Africa into
ICTs for Empowerment held its first researcher capacity-building
workshop in Durban in July 2005, and while researchers from all
over the continent honed their project proposals and fine-tuned
networking skills, they also learned how to create ostrich eggs
around themselves. - APC WNSP
http://www.apcwomen.org/news/index.shtml?x=91680
NEW PAPER: Digital dangers: Trafficking women in a 'virtual' way
The word 'trafficking' suggests something very physical. But
does it always have to be so? Take this case: a 19-year-old is
filmed by her 30-year-old lover while they have sex. They break
up, and years later, without her consent, the video hits the
internet. Suddenly, the woman's image is crossing the world,
making some people a lot of money in the process too. Is this
trafficking? The woman herself hasn't been transported across
any international boundaries. But her image has. An informative
backgrounder to the modern dimensions of a global issue of
widespread concerns. - AWID / APC WNSP
http://www.awid.org/publications/OccasionalPapers/spotlight6_en.pdf
NEW PAPER: ICTs at the crossroads: Violence against women and
pornography
On June 17, 2005, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names
and Numbers, or ICANN, approved .xxx as a global top-level
domain for sexually explicit material on the internet, after
five years of negotiations. Jac sm Kee from APC WNSP uses this
peg to point out that the issue goes much further. Women have to
demand their right to freely move, create knowledge and
represent their diversity, communicate and form networks with
each other and be safe from harm. Can information and
communication technologies help to truly transform socail
relations, instead of just amplifying inequalities? - GenderIT.org
http://www.genderit.org/upload/ad6d215b74e2a8613f0cf5416c9f3865/WOCTIS_pape
r_jk.pdf
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-- SITES OF INTEREST --
WORLD SUMMIT 2005: The Heinrich Boll Stiftung of Germany is covering
global internet governance negotiations live. A team of devoted internet
rights reporters have been following the evolution of the World Summit
on the Information Society process since day 1. Regular updates provide
quality on-the-ground analysis about process and content issues relevant
to all those wanting to understand this complicated issue.
http://www.worldsummit2005.de/en/nav/14.htm
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-- COUNTDOWN TO THE WSIS --
Civil Society and the United Nations Summit on the Information
Society (WSIS) 2005: Prep Com 3
The rapid spread of ICTs, and the convergence (combined use) of
different media, is resulting in the emergence of new policies and
regulation. Policy decisions being made today will impact on this
world's peoples' ability and potential to use ICTs as tools in their
work tomorrow.
The second United Nations' World Summit on the Information
Society (WSIS) will be held in November. APC has been actively
participating in the WSIS process and is at Geneva in the third
preparatory committee meeting right now.
Keep informed about civil society at the WSIS [1] and get
involved! Detailed coverage in Spanish [2] comes from APC's
Latin America and Caribbean ICT Policy Monitor site.
[1] http://www.apc.org/english/wsis/index.shtml
[2] http://lac.derechos.apc.org/wsis
Prep Com 3: Concerned civil society writes to Kofi Annan
More than a hundred social movements and civil society organisations
gave endorsed a letter released earlier this month by some of the most
active groups involved in the World Summit on the Information Society
process. Condemning tight surveillance activities, human rights and
fundamental freedoms violations on behalf of the Tunisian authorities,
the protagonists expressed their concern about the conditions in which
the WSIS is to take place in Tunis in November 2005. Read the letter
addressed to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan,
and endorse the statement by sending an electronic message to "info at
apc dot org". - APCNews
http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=1851533
PrepCom 3: Coalition on Financing ICTD reacts to major internet
governance document
Six major international civil society networks including working on
questions of access and affordability of the internet have
emitted a joint statement on 27 September 2005, during the third
Preparatory Meeting (PrepCom 3) of the WSIS process. The World
Summit on the Information Society is making a last stop in
Geneva before phase II of the summit in Tunisia, in November of
2005. The statement of the Informal Coalition on Financing ICTD
goes beyond a document released by the WSIS Chair of a
Sub-Committee on Internet Governance and suggests a series of
steps to be taken to make the internet a true tool for
development. - APCNews
http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=1632351
APC backs an open statement of the Human Rights Caucus
Earlier this week, Karen Banks, Networking and Advocacy
Coordinator for APC, expressed solidarity with a statement
released by the Human Rights Caucus. The caucus, composed of
many leading human rights activists of the global civil society,
called for procedural safeguards to "avoid the reign of the
arbitrary" on 22 September 2005, on the eve of the Prep Com 3
meeting in Geneva. The Human Rights Caucus thereby condemned the
systematic blocking of the Human Rights in China (HRIC)
association accreditation to the WSIS process. The original
statement, proposed to adoption by the Civil Society plenary
meeting in Geneva reads as follows. - APCNews
http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=1639610
Digital Dividends: A televised debate for BBC World TV
What role do ICTs have in alleviating poverty? This is one of
the many questions that was fired at a distinguished panel
on 30 September 2005 at the International Telecommunication
Union Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Several APC member
representatives and staff were in the audience.
The debate is broadcasted on BBC World Television on 22
October 2005. - APCNews
http://www.apdip.net/news/ictpovertydebate
Philippine government releases position on internet governance;
civil society seeks inclusive process
The Philippine government's position on the Working Group on
Internet Governance (WGIG) Report, presently recently, is based
on nationwide consultations the Philippine Commission on Information
and Communications Technology (CICT) ran from June to August
2005 at the Manila Hotel. But the civil society points out hat
the consultations were rather limited and that only the last
consultation in Davao City had the benefit of discussing the
WGIG Report. The rest had as main documents WGIG's 12 issue
papers. - APCNews
http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=1643459
In August of this year, APCNews began to feature news articles written
for GenderIT.org, a new ICT policy and gender portal supported by the
APC women's programme (APC WNSP). Contributing journalists are based in
Africa, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, and Asia.
Gearing up for Tunisia, explaining the gender issues
The second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society
(WSIS) takes place in Tunisia later this year. APC's
GenderIT.org team joined the third and final preparatory
meeting, held in Geneva (Switzerland) from September 19 to 30.
In the run-up to the mid-November WSIS summit, there's a
special section collating a wide variety of resources and
articles related to gender and the WSIS. - GenderIT.org
http://www.genderit.org/en/beginners/wsis.shtml
Geneva Chronicle: Porn in the morning, sexism in the afternoon
Follow GenderIT.org writers Jac sm Kee and Brenda Zulu as they
participate in the third and final WSIS preparatory meeting
(Prep Com3) before the summit in Tunis. Read their postings from
Geneva about the activities of gender advocates, and women's
concerns. - GenderIT.org
http://www.genderit.org/en/index.shtml?apc=f--e--1&nocache=1
Complete GenderIT chronicles from the WSIS Prep Com 3
The second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society
(WSIS) gets underway later this year. Between September 19th -
30th, GenderIT.org writers Jac sm Kee and Brenda Zulu
participate in the third and final WSIS preparatory meeting
(PrepCom 3) before the summit in Tunis. Check out their
chronicle and read the following unreleased (on the APC website)
postings about the activities of gender advocates, and women
concerns regarding key issues on the agenda - internet
governance and financing.
http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=1638760
GenderIT.org: http://www.genderit.org/
At Tunis, will gender equality get its due place on the agenda?
What changes does World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)
-- which meets in Tunisia in November -- bring in regards to
gender equality and women's empowerment? Is WSIS worth it? How
effective is gender advocates' participation? What are the main
challenges faced by gender equality advocates? This paper aims
to answer these questions and summarise what has been achieved
so far for gender equality in the WSIS process. It seeks to
clarify the "gender and ICT" agenda for both phases of the WSIS.
It analyses why gender advocacy was such a challenge within the
whole process, and assesses the outcomes as well as some of the
indirect benefits WSIS brought about for gender and ICT advocates.
Written by Karen Banks, APC. - GenderIT.org
http://www.genderit.org/en/beginners/wsis-fulltext.shtml
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-- IMPORTANT DATES --
NOVEMBER 14-16, 2005 (Tunis, Tunisia): World Forum on
Information Society - Digital Divide, Global Development and
The Information Society Conference. The Forum is organised in view of
the United Nations World Summit on the Information Society with the
intention of
contributing to the Tunis Summit and its Preparatory Process.
NOVEMBER 16-18, 2005 (Tunis, Tunisia): WSIS II Summit. The
second phase of the WSIS will review the implementation of the
Action Plan and will set new (and more detailed) targets for the
period 2005-2015. It will also deal with the important
unfinished business of the first phase, e.g. the governance of
the internet and the question of financing mechanisms.
http://www.itu.org/wsis
DECEMBER 5-9, 2005 (Bangalore, India): OURMedia / NUESTROSMedios.
5th International Conference Democracy and the Media. A
transnational network with over 400 academics, activists,
researchers, practitioners and advocates working across every
continent and in more than 40 countries. Presentations mainly in
English, with Spanish translation. http://www.ourmedianet.org/
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-- WHERE IN THE WORLD IS APC THIS MONTH --
You can meet up with APC and/or APC WNSP (APC women's programme)
representatives at the events below during October 2005. Write to
[EMAIL PROTECTED] to obtain contact information. See you there!
Oct 4-11: Varna, Bulgaria
APC Council Meeting 2005: Open Access for Sustainable Development and
Social Justice (hosted by BlueLink)
Oct 27-30: Bangkok, Thailand
Association of Women's Rights in Development 10th International Forum
http://www.awid.org/go.php?pg=forum2005&theme=forum
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APCNews, in English, and APCNoticias, in Spanish, are
distributed monthly by APC -- a worldwide network supporting the
use of internet and ICTs for social justice and sustainable
development since 1990. APCNews Archive:
http://www.apc.org/english/news/apcnews/
Some rights reserved: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial
Licence 2.0 - 2005 Association for Progressive Communications
(APC)
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