Making Computers Work for Women

MICROSYSTER, an English women's organisation, may have a lot to offer the rest of us. Exploring ways for women and women's organisations to benefit from computer technology, this group offers a variety of services to feminist organisations in the London area.

Now it has spawned an all-England Women and Computing Network which may possibly even grow into an international group. This network publishes a quarterly newsletter and holds meetings on specific topics of interest to women.

Though many third world groups may not have the resources to purchase computer technology, a number of others are beginning to recognise that computers can produce a quantum leap in their methods of work, increasing their potential in a dramatic way.

At the 1988 Feminist Book Fair held m Montreal in June, one of the most dynamic workshops held was on desktop publishing using computers. Most of the participants who attended this event said on their evaluation forms that it was by far the best item on the fair's agenda.

In this kind of context, therefore, groups in the first world like Microsyster may turn out to be invaluable resources for the international feminist movement. Their leaflet states:

Microsyster aims to encourage women to think about positive ways of making computers work for women. We are aware that many women feel alienated and excluded by computer-based technology, and are worried by the threat they do pose to our jobs and privacy. We not only want to provide a service for women, but also to open up these debates in the Women's Liberation Movement.

Microsyster aims to:

• provide computing services to women's groups
• make contact with and support other feminists working in computing
• provide a feminist perspective on computer-based technology
• introduce the skills and knowledge necessary for women to benefit from and critically assess computer-based technology

Since its inception it has been advising groups as to whether computers can really help with their work, which equipment would suit their needs and circumstances and even on how to write applications for grants or loans to purchase equipment.

It further assists in setting up the hardware necessary and advises and trains groups in the use and creation of software. London groups are offered the use of microsyster's own computers.

The Women and Computing Network is a register of women who want to make contact with others interested in computer-based technology. It holds meetings and publishes a newsletter which carries articles on subjects such as the latest research on VDU hazards, new equipment, books and special processes.

For further information please write Women and Computing Network,c/o Microsyster Wesley House, Wild Court, off Kingsway, London WC2, England