Hello everyone, My name is Joyce Kyeyune. I will be graduating this year in October(Masters of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology) from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
As a result of my studies and prior experience, I have developed a keen interest in technology and particularly in FOSS and how it can benefit sub-Saharan Africa. I wrote an article in April about Open Source in the Weekly Observer. I was also extremely happy and surprised to discover that there existed a Linux users group (LUG) in Uganda, which I have since joined. I have been following the discussions as a silent participant. Last month I was asked to contribute to a book to be published by the Linux Professional Institute regarding gender equity and FOSS. I plan to write a case study or short paper depending on the amount of information I collect. My contribution will focus on LUG as a case study; the level and nature of participation from both genders and the implications of what I have observed. I hope to raise some important questions relating to gender equity and the use of FOSS in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa in general. I am therefore requesting your participation in the following ways: 1. A list of LUG members so that I can know the gender balance (This is needed as the paper focuses on gender issues. Your emails will not appear anywhere in the submission) 2. Respond to short interview emails that I will be sending outperiodically, at least once a week regarding your views on LUG and gender equity. I believe that many of you have interesting perspectives that will enrich the paper I plan to submit. If you would like to participate, please send me an email. A more detailed outline of the LPI book submissions is provided below. Questions, suggestions and recommendations are really welcome. Regards Joyce Kyeyune Centre for Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology University of Waterloo 200 University Avenue N2L 3G1 1-416-301-4444 [EMAIL PROTECTED] .......................... .......................... Gender Equity and Free and Open Source Software Call for Chapter Submissions of a New Book In recent years, academia, non-governmental organizations, governments, and industry have become increasingly involved in the development of F/OSS technologies, and in analyzing the social impact of that technology in diverse settings, such as in developing countries, in education and in the workplace. WOWEM, a Gender Equity and F/OSS research and education project started by the Foundation for Sustainable Development, is sponsoring a book to be co-edited by Stacy Gildenston, current Director of Certification for http://www.lpi.org Linux Professional Institute, and Lady Murrugarra, Coordinator Group Work Gender and ICTs - Per� www.concytec.gob.pe/generotics/ <http://www.concytec.gob.pe/generotics/ and Head Computer Center Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt - UPCH www.upch.edu.pe/tropicales http://www.upch.edu.pe/tropicales . This book aims to incorporate both empirical studies and qualitative evaluations of F/OSS technologies in which Gender Equity concerns have been involved. For example: gender and F/OSS instructional technology (computer-based teaching); gender-based cultural factors in the use of F/OSS; human-F/OSS interaction and trends; the barriers of F/OSS adoption based on gender concerns; and gender-based organizational and work issues; as well as reviews of the broader social implications of F/OSS technologies in Gender Equitable development. The focus of reviews and studies submitted for publication in this section should reflect the book's focus on Gender Equity concerns, either by stating how F/OSS tec hnology is relevant, or how it might be relevant, particularly with respect to local, regional, or international development issues. WOWEM will accept submissions in English and Spanish, but alternate languages are welcome as approved by the editors. Proposals for submission must be received by August 16th, 2004 at mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] We intend to publish all quality work as space allows. Detailed outlines and/or first drafts must be completed by September 30th, 2004, with the intent to have authors complete work by December 31, 2004. Alternate deadlines may be made available upon request. FULL LENGTH ARTICLES Full Length Articles can be anywhere up to approximately 5000 words in length, including (if needed) references, diagrams, statistics, etc. These articles may be qualitative, quantitative, or a combination of both. The intent of the editors is to allow for extremely diverse submissions. CASE STUDIES Case Studies (up to 5,000 words) are highly regarded as material for submission. Since it is often difficult to create a research design that is applicable to standard quantitative statistical analysis or adequate control of variables, an appropriate focus can be methodologies. These methods are best described in Case Study format. The editors wish to encourage submissions from ALL experimental, educational, and organizational spheres. All Case Studies should present an adequate description of the background of the presenting problem,any methodologies used, the outcomes, and explanations for the outcomes observed. SHORT PAPERS The book will recognize that F/OSS is a diverse topic politically, geographically, and culturally. The papers can be on any type of research that has relevance to Gender Equity and F/OSS. We would like to see short reports that authors may feel are not likely to be published as a full article, but which appears to offer intriguing, preliminary work and findings. We welcome both quantitative and qualitative research articles; pilot studies; non-trivial assignments done by or set for students; and even completely speculative papers that suggest a further avenue of study and research. The length should be between 500-1,500 words, including any references.Since space is at a premium include core details that are required to help the reader understand the main thrust of the article. The discussion should mention possible flaws or alternative interpretations of the results, other than the main interpretation presented by the author(s). This is as much to indicate to the reader that the author(s) is/are aware of these possible flaws and alternative interpretations. It also serves to instruct for the potential to replicate work. Creative Non-Fiction Finally, the editors will accept short (up to 1,000 words) creative non-fiction works describing personal experiences with F/OSS and Gender Equity. Space for this may be somewhat limited, and this material may be used for alternate media, such as on the WOWEM website. Regards, Stacy Gildenston / Lady Murrugarra -- _____________________________________________________________ Web-based SMS services available at http://www.operamail.com. >From your mailbox to local or overseas cell phones. Powered by Outblaze --------------------------------------------- This service is hosted on the Infocom network http://www.infocom.co.ug
