1. GAM OVERVIEW
August 2018
The new IASC Gender with Age Marker was launched in June, and is now a mandatory part of the Humanitarian Program Cycle for all IASC & UN Agencies and their partners.
It replaces the old gender marker, which is no longer used.

2. Why was the GAM developed?
Responding to humanitarians & donors who wanted to know,
that programming is relevant, responding to an analysis;
that affected people are actively engaged in and influencing humanitarian processes - more than just passive recipients of aid;
that programming is at a minimum gender- and age-sensitive (ideally responsive and transformative);
new ways of working to address humanitarian “silos”, both as contexts change (the “nexus,”) and across sectors

3. What did the old IASC Gender Marker look for?
The old gender marker looked at project proposals to see if gender differences were addressed in the situation or needs analysis, in the activities, and in the outcomes or results. It also reviewed whether the analysis was developed into responsive activities, and clearly disaggregated results that would show who actually benefitted.
But because the marker was only used in project design, there was no way to know or assess the quality of what was actually delivered!
Coherent Programming

4. What does good gender equality programming look like?
Brainstorm:
When you go to the field to visit a project, what do you SEE that tells you
it is a good programme?
12 indicators: Gender Equality Measures (“GEMs”)
The GAM was developed by seeking consensus on which program elements determine project quality with respect to gender and age.

5. 12 Indicators of good programming:
Gender Equality Measures (“GEMs”)
These are what the GAM looks for and assesses: four GEMS in project design, and all twelve in the monitoring phase. It’s important to check and address all 12 indicators when designing your project, as they will be monitored!
This is where donors, clusters or agencies can focus on the issues that are a priority for them. Many will not have time or interest to look at results for all 12 GEMS.
For example, groups who prioritize accountability and participation will want to focus on GEMs G,H, & I.
A good picture of protection mainstreaming will be obtained from GEMs C,E,H,J,K & L.
If you want to compare impacts and benefits for different groups, GEMs J,K, & L will be most useful.

6. Screen shot of GAM website

7. This is what the GAM tool actually looks like to users
This is what the GAM tool actually looks like to users. For each programming step (“GEM” or indicator), the form asks for details of the proposed action, followed by which gender groups are included, and which age groups. The same format is repeated for each topic.
(Note these are sample screen shots --- if internet is available, the tool can be demonstrated live.)

10. GAM Coding Summary 4
Addresses GENDER & AGE differences in key programme actions 3
Addresses only GENDER differences in key programme actions 2
Addresses only AGE differences in key areas 1
Key programme actions do not address gender or age differences
Key programme actions are not present
The tool provides codes for the overall program or project, and also each individual gender equality measure.

12. This is the framework for calculating the GAM Project Code
This is the framework for calculating the GAM Project Code. You don’t need to know this when you are using the automated GAM – the code is calculated for you.

13. The GAM has an action plan to help people plan their changes to improve gender equality programming. Users can choose to focus on a particular area – and the specific GEMs that are most relevant to them.

14. Accountability to Affected Populations
If your priority is..
Accountability to Affected Populations
You will want to monitor,
Which gender and age groups participate in and influence decisions, from needs assessment, project design, assistance delivery, through project monitoring (GEM G)
Existence & responsiveness of feedback and complaints mechanisms (GEM H)
Project and agency transparency and information-sharing with different groups (GEM I)
If your priority is (AAP)

15. Protection Mainstreaming
If your priority is…
Protection Mainstreaming
You will want to track whether,
Intended target groups are reached (GEM C)
GBV risks are reduced or mitigated (GEM E)
A safe & responsive complaints mechanism exists (H)
Different people benefit from the tailored activities (J)
Different groups are satisfied with the assistance (K)
Steps are taken to mitigate unintended consequences or barriers (GEM L).
If protection mainstreaming is a priority for your operation….
The 12 program actions assessed cover and enable reporting on a wide range of humanitarian priorities. (These are only two examples)

16. More than a gender marker for monitoring, the GAM enables reporting on
Whether programming is relevant, responding to a needs-based analysis (WHS and Grand Bargain commitments)
How affected people are actively engaged in and influencing humanitarian processes (accountability to affected populations)
New ways of working to address siloed approaches to humanitarian response, both temporal (“nexus”) and sectoral.
Progress towards the WHS commitment to ‘Leave No-one Behind (women and girls, LGBTI, youth, older people)
Contribution to prevention of gender-based violence (Call to Action on GBV, Protection Mainstreaming).