From Tablets to Tablets: Women, Knowledge, and the Digital Empowerment Journey
Chapter from the book:
Koç,
O.
(ed.)
2025.
Empowered by Technology: Women, Knowledge, and Digital Transformation.
Synopsis
This study examines the social roles and challenges faced by women from the emergence of writing around 3200 BCE through the societies of Mesopotamia to the social structure of Rome. It focuses on the barriers women encountered in accessing information during the era of written history, deliberately excluding prehistoric periods to concentrate on documented experiences. In Mesopotamian society, women were confined within specific social, economic, and religious boundaries, whereas in Rome, distinct social and legal restrictions shaped their lives. Throughout this timeframe, women's access to knowledge was largely limited by male-dominated social orders. The study also explores how ancient cultures perceived women and their relationship with knowledge within sociocultural contexts. Importantly, the research connects these historical perspectives to contemporary developments, highlighting how advances in technology have transformed women's opportunities for information access and societal participation. By comparing past obstacles with current possibilities, the study underscores the continuing importance of ensuring equitable access to knowledge and inclusive social involvement for women. Ultimately, it offers a comprehensive assessment of women's experiences over time, emphasizing the critical role of information access in shaping their societal positions.
