GEM is an evaluation methodology that integrates a gender analysis into evaluations of initiatives that use information and communication technologies (ICTs) for social change. It provides a means for determining whether ICTs are worsening or really improving women’s lives and gender relations, as well as for promoting positive change at the individual, institutional, community and broader social levels.

GEM is the only evaluation methodology that has been developed from the ground up, through collaboration with non-governmental organisations, and provides a systematic guide to integrating gender analysis and perspectives in ICT-type projects. In addition to the step-by-step evaluation methodology, GEM suggests strategies and methodologies for incorporating a gender analysis throughout the evaluation process (and as far as possible, to begin with conceptualisation and planning) and offers insights from ICT4D practitioners who have applied GEM in their projects and attribute increased gender-planning skills to GEM.

GEM is available in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Arabic.

Originally developed in 2002, GEM is currently in a second phase of customisation. The GEM 2 project, initiated in 2007, will provide special adaptations, to increase GEM’s user-friendliness and especially to community-based organisations working on rural ICT4D projects, telecentres, localisation initiatives, and on gender and ICT policy advocacy.

Why was GEM developed?

The Association for Progressive Communications Women’s Networking Support Programme (APC WNSP) developed GEM to facilitate the process of learning about using ICTs for gender equality and to increase consciousness on the possible negative impact of ICTs on women’s lives if gender and ICT issues are not considered from the start.

ICT use is increasing everywhere. In particular, women are using ICTs to strengthen their organization and movement building at the local, regional and global levels. ICTs, however, can also pose a potential threat to women. ICTs can be used in ways that replicate or perpetuate gender stereotypes and biases, and can have unintended negative impacts.

Gender evaluation methodologies can be used to investigate whether ICTs are being used in ways that change gender biases and roles and do not simply reproduce and replicate existing ones. As more and more of today’s development work and money is channeled into projects that employ ICTs, their effects on women are of great importance.

Who is GEM designed for?

GEM is intended to meet the needs of ICT practitioners seeking appropriate gender analysis tools and frameworks for their ICT interventions. The tool is for APC WNSP members as well as other practitioners who share a common commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in ICTs, including:

• ICT initiatives for social change
• Project managers and project staff using ICT in projects without a specific gender or women’s focus
• Evaluators working in the IT field
• Donors and development agency staff working in the IT field
• Gender focal points that support women’s and IT issues
• Policy makers
• ICT planners
• Consultants in the area of gender and ICTs

The guide is available online in the GEM Tool section and here.

The GEM practitioners network

The GEM practitioners network is a network of individuals and organizations, who apply GEM and want to learn more about gender and ICT evaluations. The network aims to enhance GEM expertise, and build partnerships in order to incorporate a gender perspective in evaluation of ICT initiatives, and to promote gender accountability in global, regional, national and local ICT policies and initiatives.

Collected news stories on the impact of GEM

By using the GEM methodology, practitioners in Africa, Latin America and Asia uncovered results they would not have obtained if they had not included gender in their project planing and research. A series of articles based on reports and interviews with GEM practitioners demonstrates how GEM is changing the lives of women and the development of inclusive ICT practices. The stories were published on the APC website as well as the GEM practitioner’s website.