Lessons Learned Project: Building Strong Internet Based Women's Networks

In 1997, as a contribution to the Global Knowledge conference held in Toronto, the APC WNSP began an evaluation of its own research activities to contribute to the development of a generic ICT Audit Framework tool, which had been designed to learn more about the role and impact of ICTs on development projects. It became clear that practitioners and planners need more comprehensive tools and criteria to assist in considering the diversities of women's experiences and analyses, as well as women's strategic and practical needs, when evaluating the role and use of ICTs in development projects from a gender perspective. Such tools would encourage the implementation of stronger, more informed women's networking initiatives. The APC Lessons Learned project is building a practical and thorough gender methodology for ICT project planners, whether they are donors, ICT policymakers or women's organisations. Results so far include:

§ Women In Sync: A three-part publication from the Women's Programme

APC WNSP began in the early 1990s and continues to be one of the strongest Internet-based women's networks in the world. After eight years of incubating women's networking projects and working together online, in February 2001, APC WNSP published "Women in Sync" a collection of stories and experiences of the women and organisations who have become a part of the APC WNSP network. Funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC, Canada), this three part toolkit is a reflection of the lessons APC WNSP has learned as an active network of women, groups and organisations working in the field of gender and ICT and women's networking support, and an acknowledgement of the challenges faced in a world increasingly transformed by information and communication technologies. "Women in Sync" is designed to be a toolkit to encourage and support women's electronic networking.

§ Gender and ICT Evaluation Kit: in preparation

Following a workshop on "Building An ICT Gender Evaluation Tool" (January 17- 21 in Manila, Philippines), eight members of the APC-WNSP met in London in April 2001 to develop the first draft of the tool. A draft 'blue print' of the tool will be developed by the end of June, which will then be tested and refined through a series of regional activities in Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. The regional testing phase will commence January 2002.

To find out more, please contact: Chat Ramilo Garcia chat@apcwomen.org