Technology: Friend or Foe?

This could very well been the title of every session I have attended. It was the actual title of one I was a part of today- not surprisingly about the role of technology in today's voting systems around the world. We heard from the National Director of voting systems, who gave an overview of the various types of electronic voting in the US and abroad. He reminded us that their prime objective is to proved Free and Fair elections for all. Then we learned from an expert about the requirements to ensure free and for those with disabilities. Transparency is everything and everything now has backup for tracking every vote. Lastly, we were told that getting trained election officials was increasingly difficult. In the last 10 years, the average age of election officials has gone from 50 to 75 and are 80% women. 

 The next session was on ableism and ageism led by a panel with a variety of examples of differing abilities. Technology is both friend and foe, but they talked about great strides in technology that are making life more accessible. Both of the other sessions today were conversations at the Ford Foundation. Similar sessions have been held throughout this summit, with other targeted groups. The first was LGBTQIA. We heard impassioned recounts from mostly young women around the world working closely with and identifying as LGBTQIA. The facilitators charged the group with identifying 10 priorities on which we could focus in the coming days. There was obviously not enough time to come up with a definitive list, so those who are interested agreed to get back in touch to compile a list of objectives. I submitted my email to be a part of that process and have already heard back from one of the facilitators! 

 The next Conversation Circle was on the feminist and young women movement. The room was full of young articulate women who started with this definition of "feminism". 'Feminism is an interdisciplinary approach to issues of equality and equity based on gender, gender expression

gender identity, sex, and sexuality as understood thorough social theories and political activism".- EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY.  

The UN said this about the work of young feminists: "Amidst a mounting roster of global crises--and a lack of sufficient action from global leaders-- girls and young women are increasingly stepping up as organizers and advocates. They're driving crucial conversations around social, economic and environmental injustices, and they're pushing those in charge to get serious about fixing them." According to these young women there are five urgent areas- 

 They then went on to present a platform including: Impacts of COVID Conflicts: Risk to life, well-being and property; reduced safety and security Climate Crisis Autocratic Leadership: Reduced democracy and access by women Economic concerns-Reduced access to jobs They are prepared to "work... in solidarity, understanding that the threats above stem from the cis-hetero patriarchy, economic and environmental injustice rooted in colonialism and capitalism." The action areas they named were: Sexual and reproductive health and rights, Climate Justice Education , Politics.All in all it was an inspiring session. Go Girls!