Improving the lives of people in low-income countries is at the core of the G²LM|LIC programme. Coordinated by IZA on behalf of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) the initiative funds topically focused research projects in the field. The program aims particularly to enhance equality of opportunity for women in the labor market.
Until now there is almost no empirical data and studies on these poorest regions of the world that would allow for evidence-based policy recommendations. Therefore, policies to promote employment and stable economic structures have only had limited effect. Funded research focuses in particular on labor market policy, education and gender. The aim of the program is to empower the countries concerned to use their own resources and allow them to independently build up economic capacities. The program is financed by FCDO (until 2020: Department for International Development/DFID). In close collaboration with independent international experts, IZA coordinates the overall project and is also responsible for the selection of individual research projects.
