The programme uses research as a tool to build capacity and foster exchanges among those exploring how ICTs can enhance African women's development. GRACE's 14 independent research sites in 12 countries - Kenya, Senegal, Uganda, Cameroon, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Nigeria, Morocco and Egypt - explore research topics ranging from examining mobile telephone use, to the ways in which women could use e-commerce, to barriers to ICT use and women's strategies to overcome these obstacles.

A key element informing GRACE's knowledge construction process is participation and capacity building: creating the space and skills for the14 research teams to develop their own methodology for understanding what "empowerment" and "gender" may mean in multiple African contexts. The research questions and methodologies, the research trainings, as well as the ongoing mentoring and support programme accompanying the research, are grounded in the principles of critical emancipatory research, or "action research." Emphasis is placed on the use of qualitative research techniques.

GRACE draws on face-to-face interactions to connect and inform researchers interested in these topics. Capacity building workshops focusing on the interrelationship between ICT and women's empowerment were held in July 2005 and June 2006 (with a third workshop planned for July 2007). At the first workshop the GRACE researchers consolidated their methodological approaches, learned how to use a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software programme called NVivo, were introduced to other advanced ICT and knowledge networking skills, and learned how to use digital cameras and recorders and how to edit sound and images using their computers. The second workshop focused on enhancing research writing skills and provided an opportunity for focused discussion on the research conducted.

In addition, online communications are conducted via a specific research-space list and directly between the research coordination team members and the researchers. Results will be documented in a professionally edited online and printed publication.

Technology, Women, Gender.

In the context of ICT and gender empowerment, GRACE intends to provide African researchers with opportunities to build confidence and skill in the use of qualitative and participatory research methods and techniques. It also hopes to develop the capacity to use ICT tools for research.