3. E-government programmes for women

E-government services for women are not developed in isolation, but form an integral part of specific sectorial policies and frameworks. For example, consider the single window portal set up by the South Australian government, sa.gov.au. A search for the descriptor/ key word ‘women’ through this site, returns some 347 results, which include information about programmes offered by Local Government, the State Government of South Australia and Federal Government, as well as community groups.¹¹

Similarly, to encourage civil society organizations to become intermediaries in service delivery for marginalized groups, governments in Australia have focused on specifically reaching out to women’s rights organizations. Further, grants supporting gender equality efforts are available from National, State and Territory Governments. Current priorities outlined in the criteria for selection are:

• Reducing violence against women;
• Demonstrating Australian Government leadership on gender equality;
• Increasing opportunities for women to contribute to Australian Government decisions;
• Increasing opportunities for women to undertake valued leadership roles; and
• Creating business and workplace cultures that deliver better economic choices and outcomes for women.¹²

The prevailing view in Australia is that women’s accessibility to services will be taken care of as members of communities in need rather than on the basis of their gender. Social intervention programmes focused attention on those who were disadvantaged because of what was termed the ‘digital divide’, that is those members of the community who were assessed as less likely to have access to, or ease of use of, digital technologies. Broadly speaking, individuals facing the following issues, irrespective of gender, have been targeted:

• Those with poor access to technical infrastructure
• Those with low levels of digital literacy
• Indigenous communities
• People with disabilities (including intellectual or mental health issues)¹³
• Economic disadvantage
• Those requiring third party assistance generally

ICT access has not been a major concern for women’s groups, a trend that is also reflected in the 2009 findings of the Australian Human Rights Commission regarding women’s needs.

“The primary issues raised by women were economic, social and cultural rights, gender based violence and access to appropriate housing, health, education, advocacy and support services.” ¹⁴

In 1997, after nearly a decade of conservative rule, Australians elected the Australian Labor Party to government. In 1998 the government published Australia’s Social Policy No. 7 entitled ‘Improving the lives of Australians’. The document comprised two major articles and four social policy notes which included a note entitled “Extending Australia’s digital divide policy: an examination of the value of social inclusion and social capital policy.”¹⁵ Whilst the note is comprehensive in its examination of identified issues, the paper is silent on the subject of gender. The formulation of e-government policy frameworks therefore reveals an absence of gender-based thinking.

The National Commission of Audit¹⁶ was established in October 2013 as an independent body with a ‘broad remit’ to review and report on the performance, functions and roles of the Commonwealth government. Phase One of the report which was released in February 2014 made a number of recommendations, including recommendation 62 on e-government. The Commission recommended that the Government accelerate transition to online service delivery through a) a digital strategy; b) consolidating the e-government effort through a single team under the leadership of a Chief Digital Officer and c) appointing a senior minister to champion the digital by default agenda.¹⁷ In May 2015, the Government allocated $95.4 million Aud of the 2015 budget to establish the Digital Transformation Office (DTO), with the aim to lead the “design development and enhancement of government services, and better link online, telephone and face-to-face delivery channels”.¹⁸ However, with regards to the gender dimension, a gender analysis of the first six months of operations of the newly established Digital Transformations Office by the University of Sydney observed,

“It is difficult to conceive, in its current trajectory, that Australia’s Digital Transformations Office will contribute much to gender equality and empowerment. A commitment to these objectives is not built into the shape of Australia’s information policy, let alone its proposals for online government service design or delivery.”¹⁹

The following discussion provides a snapshot of programmes for women that deploy technology for information and services outreach.

3.1 E-GOVERNMENT EFFORTS THAT FOCUS ON ENHANCING WOMEN’S ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

AppointWomen (Australian Government Boards), BoardLinks (Australian Government Office for Women)

These programmes provide information on Australian Government board memberships, including vacancies and the Australian Government’s policies, which promote diversity in board membership. They also provide guidance for women interested in becoming a member of a board.

Women in Global Business (Australian Trade Commission)

This is a joint Australian, State and Territory Government initiative offered through Austrade, which connects women across Australia who are interested or otherwise involved in international trade and investment possibilities. The programme offers women a central source of information and resources, support and connection. It includes a mentoring programme that connects businesswomen with little or no international experience with businesswomen who already have substantial experience in international trade and investment.

Workplace Gender Equality Agency

This agency promotes, articulates and seeks to improve gender equality in Australian workplaces. It works in collaboration with Australian employers and provides online practical advice, tools and continuing education to assist employers in improving their gender performance capacities.

3.2 E-GOVERNMENT EFFORTS IN THE AREA OF COUNSELING AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Family Relationships online

This online service provides all families (whether together or separated) with relevant information and advice about family relationship issues. This service is linked to 65 Family Relationship Centres that have been established throughout Australia, with funding from the Federal government.²⁰ The centres are both a source of information and a source of confidential assistance – and services are offered on a sliding scale, according to sources of income. All centres offer free Internet access.

3.3 E-GOVERNMENT SERVICES THAT TACKLE VAW

The Department of Social Services runs programmes and services specifically to help reduce violence against women and children. One such major initiative, ‘Our Watch’, is provided in the box below.

3.4 ICT INITIATIVES IN WOMEN’S HEALTH

Women’s health provides links to information on women’s health issues such as menopause, osteoporosis, pregnancy, sexual health, breastfeeding and breast diseases, and gynecological problems. Healthdirect also provides links to some of Australia’s most authoritative health organizations and their websites.