Training in using ICTs for advocacy and activism can be difficult when experience and confidence levels vary amongst the participants. Keeping the energy levels up, making sure that everyone is up-to-speed, engaged and following takes a deep focus and an ability to “read” the participants. Technology can be frustrating when it fails us or we miss one critical step in the process. Being a trainer, one needs (among other things) to be empathic and create an environment which encourages participants to ask questions. It is a constant process of learning for both trainers and participants.

It is day 2 of the 4 day FTX workshop here in Phnom Pehn

Cambodia. 18 participants are in the second workshop to build understanding of e-advocacy strategies in the context of anti-VAW advocacy. The first workshop focused on augmenting skills on advocacy strategies and this workshop is focusing on bringing the campaign online using social networking to build multi-media campaigns.

We live contradictions every day of our lives. No matter how much we try to stay true to who we are or what we aspire to, we fall into places and times of contradiction. Sometimes it is just a matter of survival or the way it has to be for a while. In Islamabad I feel as if I have fallen into and out of a place of contradiction.

So training in technology means working with computers, cell phones, cameras - tools that generate creativity. But there is something about paints and paper and creating something collective which generates a different energy and a different creativity. And to me, a feminist practice of technology is facilitating creativity and reflecting on our use of and feelings towards technology.

That's why I'm a feminist...

Singing, dancing, hand mapping, making networks out of string, cutting out paper faces from cardboard and performance pieces where just some of the activities at the South African Feminist Tech eXchange (FTX) held in Cape Town 11 to 14 November 2009. The FTX is part of a larger project of the APC WNSP called “Strengthening Women's Strategic Use of Information and Communications Technologies to Combat Violence Against Women and Girls” which is being implemented in South Africa by Women'sNet.

The diverse group came from all over South Africa and represent university departments, activist organisations, community based groups, township telecentres, feminist groups but all share one struggle – that of combatting gender-based violence. And the FTX aimed to build the capacity of the groups in using ICTs in creative and strategic ways to enhance and support their activism. The workshop also explored, debated and contributed to developing a feminist practice of technology. The Oxfam Canada Women's Rights Advancement Programme (WRAP) partnered with Women'sNet and APC WNSP and supported the participation of their grantees in the WRAP programme.