Women, democracy and participation in the information society

Mayer, Louisa

IFLA Council and General Conference / .
(ReLIS:jul:juljin:7982)

Abstract:

She was approximately seventeen years old and about seven months pregnant. A two-year-old toddler was peeping out behind her tattered dress. In a shy whisper she asked me: “Do you perhaps have books with pictures where I can see where babies are coming from.” It was at this exact moment that I realised the intensity of the information and education task we as Librarians in post-apartheid South Africa are facing, especially towards the women of this wonderful Country. This happened four years back. Margaret is currently employed as a councilor specializing in assisting abused women. She attended the Literacy, Sex education and HIV/Aids education classes offered by the Community Library and Information Services. She is a regular visitor to the nearby Municipal Clinic and receives free contraceptives. She was referred by the Library Services to an institution providing Free Legal Aid to abused women and is currently receiving maintenance from the fathers of both her children. Both her children attend all the reading hours, educational activities and holiday programmes offered at their local Library. They are well cared for children, bright and eager to learn.

Creation: 2002
Keywords: Sociedad de la información ; Democracia ; Mujeres

 (go top)