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

WIGSAT is a consulting group with the guiding principle that women should have the opportunity to make full, active, informed and creative contributions to the science and technology-based knowledge society. They should be able to benefit from its advantages equally with men, including access to and use of technologies and full participation in innovation systems.

Its goal is to promote information, science and technology strategies which enable women, especially those living in developing countries, to contribute to and benefit from growth and development.