The GLM|LIC programme was initiated by IZA and FCDO (DFID then) in 2011.
Starting from mid-2019, the focus has mainly been on gender issues. The new programme “Gender, Growth and Labour Markets in Low-Income Countries” (G2LM|LIC) marks the extension of the successful IZA/FCDO cooperation and aims to foster research that guides future gender and labour market policies. The programme particularly aims to enhance equality of opportunity for women in the labour market.
Over 550 research proposals had been submitted in six different call phases and evaluated by external experts, 74 projects have been awarded grants. As a reaction on the pandemic, in early 2020 G²LM|LIC launched a special call of interest for research on COVID-19 and its implications for the labour market and inequalities in low-income countries. Out of more than 700 research proposals submitted, 14 have been awarded grants.
In addition to funding, the G²LM|LIC programme plays an active role in capacity development and fostering research activities: the programme consistently holds short courses for participants from LICs, conferences and workshops to encourage collaborations between researchers and various stakeholders.
Events held and sponsored by the G²LM|LIC programme provide a platform for researchers all over the world to share research outputs and exchange ideas as well as a channel for each project within the G²LM|LIC programme to gain more attention among the academic community and more influence in policy-making.
