Is Open Data Working for Women in Africa?

"Open data has the potential to change politics, economies and societies for the better. Yet, open data initiatives supported by governments, civil society and funders have largely overlooked how open data can be used to meet the needs of women specifically.

To realise the full potential of open data, data must be accessible to and used by all. In Africa, however, there is a significant gender gap in data equity.

Our findings reveal that while open data has the potential to radically change and empower women in Africa, the reality is that:

1. There is little in the way of open data in Africa due to the lack of an open culture, insufficient legislation and processes that are not gender-responsive

2. Cultural and social realities constrain women from using the open data that is available

3. Key datasets to support the advocacy objectives of women’s groups (e.g., data on budget, health and crime) are largely absent as open data

4. There is no strong base of research on women’s access and use of open data, due largely to a lack of funding, little collaboration and few open data champions...."