Since its inception in 1995, WIGSAT has been actively involved in influencing policy at national, regional and international levels by promoting information, knowledge, science and technology strategies which enable women, especially those living in developing countries, to actively participate in knowledge and technology for development.

WIGSAT members have advised a range of governments, UN agencies, donor agencies, foundations, research institutions and NGOs, including: the United Nations, the World Bank; UNIFEM, UNESCO; IFAD; Economic Commission for Africa; Government of Japan, Canada School of Public Service; the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA); the International Development Research Centre (IDRC); USAID, Harvard University, Rockefeller Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Carnegie Corporation of New York.

It works with an international network of collaborators, partners and clients to:

• Produce reports on major issues relating to global gender dimensions of ICT, technology and innovation systems


• Engage in policy analysis and research


• Develop gender assessments of policy and programming in ICT, technology and innovation systems


• Encourage knowledge networking among a wide range of stakeholders.

WIGSAT offers resources, support and expertise through:

• training and education


• e-networking and knowledge dissemination (including web sites and listservs)


• advisory services on gender mainstreaming at both institutional and policy levels in its focus areas
  project evaluation and impact analysis.

Services offered

WIGSAT provides the following services related to gender issues in science and technology, gender mainstreaming and gender trends in international development:

• State of the art reviews
  Gender reviews of programming and institutional structures


• Advice to governments and agencies on policies and programming


• Policy analysis and research in ICT, technology and STI policy and programming


• Training policy makers and development practitioners through workshops and other means


• Development of training and educational materials


• Design, implementation, and assessment of projects and programming


• Support and facilitation of networking and knowledge sharing.