ADSIC supports the General Women's Union e-Literacy initiative

This endorsement is part of an overall e-Literacy strategy that ADSIC has developed to bridge the digital divide between the digitally savvy and the digitally challenged in Abu Dhabi.

In 2007, ADSIC carried out a survey for the e- maturity of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi which resulted in very insightful information about the level of digital Literacy of the general population.

ADSIC further analyzed these results and identified appropriate initiative to address the segments of the population that are most impacted by the digital divide.

Women is one of the key target segments identified by ADSIC's e-Literacy strategy. The General Women's Union technology training initiative with its very positive track records seems to be the ideal vehicle to drive this goal forward.

The current Women's Union technology training initiative, in conjunction with the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), Microsoft & the Institute of International Education (IIE) provides technology training, e-Literacy, entrepreneurship and professional development for women.

Since inception in 2005, the Women's Union initiative has trained over 16 supervisor, 42 technical trainer and 23 professional trainer and 264 trainees.

ADSIC will be participating in the "Women in Technology: Partnering for Impact and Success " panel discussion held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, President of the General Women's, taking place on April 29, 2009 at Abu Dhabi Sports Club- Golden Hall.

ADSIC vows to support the General Women's Union technology training initiative through existing strategic partners both within the public and private sector by facilitating new centers, hardware/software donations, new trainings/curriculums, as well as marketing and PR for digital literacy amongst women.

These efforts, are in line with ADSIC's e-Literacy strategy for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as well as the overall policy agenda of the Abu Dhabi government as a whole.

Commenting on the project, Abu Dhabi Systems & Information Center (ADSIC) General Director H.E. Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori said:

"the full participation of women in the social and economic life of Abu Dhabi is essential if the Emirate is to achieve the prosperity, modernity and advancement envisioned by his Highness Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayad Al Nahyan. By equipping the women of Abu Dhabi with the basic technology skills of the twenty first century we allow them to maximize access to information and better utilize many online services, creating an opportunity for them to be more active in household financial transactions and also helping protect their children from Internet misuse and its threats."

He further added that "this newly acquired knowledge will also enhance women's ability to enter the work force, establish home-based businesses, and perform daily errands online, such as shopping, bill payments, and banking, among other more."

ADSIC will be participating in the "Women in Technology" panel discussion held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, President of the General Women's Union that is organized by the General Women's Union, taking place on April 29, 2009.