CTU Caribbean Network of Women Terms of Reference

Background

The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) recognises the pivotal role of women in the development of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. However, despite significant progress, women remain underrepresented in this field. 

To address the gap, the Executive approved, at its 47th meeting in March 2023, that the Proposal “Advancing Gender Equality: Integrating Parity and Mainstreaming into the National ICT Agendas of CTU Member States” be recommended to the General Conference of Ministers.  At its 28th General (GC28) Meeting in Barbados in October 2023 during CTU ICT Week, the Conference of Ministers resolved to accept the Gender Proposal with agreement  to recommend National Focal Points (NFPs) in accordance with Proposal 1 of the Resolution (attached). 

A key mechanism through which the proposed strategies to mainstream gender in the National ICT Agendas of CTU Member States is the establishment of a CTU Caribbean Network of Women in ICT, comprising NFPs from CTU’s twenty (20) member states.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the CTU Caribbean Network of Women in ICT are to:

1. Promote gender mainstreaming, to achieve parity and equity in the National ICT agendas to respective Governments;
2. Facilitate knowledge sharing, mentorship, and networking opportunities for women and girls in ICT in the Caribbean;
3. Advocate for policies and initiatives that support the inclusion and advancement of women and girls in ICT; and 
4. Provide a platform for collaboration on projects and initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Inter-American Telecommunication Commission of the Organization of American States (CITEL/OAS) activities.

Scope of Work

The scope of work for the CTU Caribbean Network of Women in ICT includes, but is not limited to:

1. Organising quarterly meetings and forums to discuss challenges and opportunities for women in ICT in the Caribbean.
2. Developing and implementing mentorship programs to support the professional growth of women and girls in STEM and the ICT sector in general.
3. Conducting research and surveys to gather data on women’s participation in ICT and to identify areas for improvement.
4. Collaborating with educational institutions to promote ICT education and careers to young women and girls.
5. Advocating for gender-responsive policies and initiatives at the national and regional levels.
6. Creating a digital platform for members to share resources, opportunities, and best practices.
7. Facilitating and contributing to the review of Draft Inter-American Proposals, DIAPs, and Inter-American Proposals, IAPs, from a gender perspective to:
   1. provide valuable contributions to CITEL
   2. advance the work and impact of the work of the Network in the Caribbean

Members

Membership of the Caribbean Network of Women in ICT will comprise representatives from the CTU’s twenty (20) member states. Each member state will recommend at least one, and a maximum of two, representatives who meet the following criteria:

1. A professional woman currently working in the ICT sector either government, regulatory body, state enterprise or private sector;
2. A demonstrated commitment to advancing gender equality in ICT;.
3. Experience in policy advocacy, project management, or community engagement is preferred.

Structure

The recommended structure of the Caribbean Network of Women in ICT comprises at a minimum:

1. CTU Regional Focal Point: Ms. Francola John, Stakeholder Engagement Specialist and CTU’s Focal Point for the International Telecommunications Union  (ITU) NoW.
2. Proposed Advisory Team: Dr. Kim Mallalieu, Vice Chair of the NoW in ITU-D Advisory Board, Ms. Maria Fuenmayor (Representative from CITEL); Ms. Mavis Johnson-Collie (Mentorship coordination team and PWD advocate);  Mrs. Cynthia Reddock-Downes, Deputy Chair, ITU Study Group 3.
3. National Focal Points: One representative from each of the 20 CTU  Member States.

Meetings

The Network will hold:

1.  one (1) virtual quarterly meeting during the months of March, June, September and December to discuss ongoing activities and updates.
2. Ad-hoc meetings, called by the CTU Regional Focal Point, as necessary.

Projects and Project Funding

The network will explore various funding sources, including:

1. Grants and sponsorships from international organisations, NGOs and private sector partners; and 
2. Fundraising activities organised by the Network.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The Network will establish a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework to assess the effectiveness of its activities and initiatives. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be developed to measure progress towards achieving the Network’s objectives. Regular reports will be prepared and shared with all members and stakeholders.

Communication

Effective communication will be maintained through:

1. A Whatsapp group dedicated to the CTU Caribbean Network of Women in ICT; 
2. Quarterly “In the k-NoW” newsletter and email updates to members; and
3. Annual reports detailing the Network’s activities and achievements.

Adoption and Implementation

These Terms of Reference (TOR) will be effective upon adoption by the inaugural meeting of the Caribbean Network of Women in ICT which will be convened with a minimum of ten (10) representatives with an aim to reach a full complement of members. Immediate steps will be taken to implement the Network’s objectives and activities as outlined.

By adopting these Terms of Reference, we commit to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for women in the ICT sector across the Caribbean. We also  ensure the active participation and contribution of women in the region’s digital transformation.

For more information, please contact Ms. Francola John, Stakeholder Engagement Specialist and CTU Focal Point for ITU’s Network of Women at francola.john@ctu.int or via 1-868-628-0281 Ext. 231 (O); 1-868-467-2864 (M).