“Gender Evaluation Methodology for Internet and ICTs (GEM)." APC.

APC’s Gender Evaluation Methodology for Internet and information communication technologies (ICTs) (GEM) is a hybrid evaluation model, bridging logical frameworks with gender analysis and participatory methods. Their online planning guide helps organizations integrate gender analysis components into programs or projects that use ICTs to forward social change. It is particular useful for determining the extent to which ICTs are productive or detrimental in generating gender equitable change in different interventions. This is particularly important as a greater number of donors are channeling funds to ICT work; as such, stronger mechanisms and methods for assessing their role are necessary. The guide is available on-line in the GEM Tool section.

Strengths:

• The GEM includes a phase specifically focused on integrating learning from the evaluation including changing evaluation practices, creating gender policies, and changing ICT practices based on findings and organizational needs.
• The tool includes case studies with links to evaluations as well as different evaluation materials to help guide the organization in developing a well-rounded evaluation. 
• There is a strong focus on participatory methods, including involving stakeholders in the evaluation design processes (e.g., developing indicators), determining the sample, analyzing data, etc., which strengthens the relevance of the evaluation.
• The tool encourages the use of multiple tools and qualitative and quantitative methods in order to best understand complex subject matter, such as gender equality.
• The tool encourages gender analysis in multiple phases in order to ensure gender is adequately accounted for and evaluated in different ICT initiatives. 

Weaknesses (or not designed for):

• The GEM tool does not provide specific guidance for evaluation design, such as sampling, indicator development, data collection processes, data analysis, etc…
• The external resources may not be enough to help an organization design a strong systematic evaluation without a team member knowledgeable in evaluation.  
• The tool is not concerned with how change happens, but mainly focuses on the end results and outcomes desired.