The Digital Divide is not a meaningless phrase — it refers to the gap between those people with computer skills and those without. Brisco's passion and dedication on this issue extends to advising corporations and governments on strategy to narrow the gap.

Rosemary Brisco is an active member of the Digital Divide Task Force of The World Economic Forum, the foremost global partnership of business, political, intellectual and other leaders of society committed to improving the state of the world.

Brisco researched and wrote a White Paper on the Gender Digital Divide in Asia that attracted a flurry of media and governmental attention.

Her paper, Turning Analog Women Into A Digital Work Force, is a call to action to bring businesswomen online in the new Asia-Pacific economy. By closing the Gender Digital Divide with Internet and IT training and access, it opens the way for new corporate efficiencies and cost-savings, higher GDP, a stronger growth curve, and unparalleled market opportunities.

Findings of the White Paper

The Challenge:

Women comprise nearly 50% of the labor force in Asia — and nearly 75% in China.

	35% of all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Asia-Pacific are headed by women; these SMEs make up 95% of all enterprises.
	Internet usage is projected to grow by 139% by 2003, assuming women know how to use and have access to the Internet for purchases.
	Yet, in Asia, women represent only 22% of Internet users. This is in stark contrast to the U.S., where women are now the majority of the online population.

The Opportunity:

Even in Asian countries with powerful disincentives for women to enter the work force, the reality is that whether she is at home or in an office, her ability to get online will shape the country's growth rate, information flow, and its position in the global economy.

Turning Analog Women Into A Digital Work Force is a call to action to bring business women online in the new Asia-Pacific economy. Corporations and governments have the opportunity to transform the realities outlined here into a unique advantage. By closing the Gender Digital Divide with Internet and IT training and access, it opens the way for new corporate efficiencies and cost-savings, higher GDP, a stronger growth curve, and unparalleled market opportunities.

A significant percentage of those who could contribute to the global marketplace are ready to be players. There is no time to lose.