The Necessity of Technology

In the Western world, most, if not everyone uses technology. The type of society that we live in, technology affects our everyday lives, whether it is on the way to or at work, going to school, entertainment, it is a daily function. Technology is a great asset and can make our lives easier and more pleasurable. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone. In many counties, mainly third world countries, technology does not play such a large role, if any role at all. The simple technologies that we take for granted each and every day, people of poorer countries may not see or use in their lifetime. Cellphones, televisions, DVDs and computers are what most people see as a necessity to function and stay connected to society, are viewed as luxuries in many countries and are only used my the wealthy and elite.

            Though third world countries are less advanced and familiar with technologies, women in these countries face an even more disadvantage. Statistics state that 300 million women less than men have cellphones (Global Women’s Forum). This can be seen as a direct correlation to women’s inequality on a global scale as well as income levels, women being paid less than men. As a result of this, women are unable to afford the same technologies that men can. For women, these technologies can be life changing, possibly save lives, make women’s everyday work easier, and so much more. In relation to the above statement, technologies can be anything from a cell phone to new, more advanced, farm equipment, just a simple form of transportation, such as a bus or a car.

            A cellphone can be crucial for women in less economic advanced countries. With relation to a women’s health, many complications can occur during the birth of a child, which can cause serious problems or death for the mother or the child. A simple cellphone can allow women to call for a midwife, which in turn could save lives (Global Women’s Forum). This simple form of technology can allow for such great and safe measures for women and countries should strive to try and make the simple technology more accessible. For our Western society, technologies are in our everyday life, they come and go and quickly change. Perhaps we could set up a more prominent recycling system; instead of throwing away old technology devices, we donate them to a program that gives them to third world countries. Though like most things, that is easier said than done. 

Global Women‟s Forum: Global Women 2020~ Challenges and Priorities For the Next Decade” http://media.elliott.gwu.edu/video/122