Understanding Gender in Monitoring & Evaluation

1. Module 1 Introduction: The Role of Gender in Monitoring and Evaluation

2. Overview of Schedule and Material • Introductions • Course Schedule • Logistics • Participant Workbook • Group Exercises (Off-line) • Design Matrix • Case Examples

3. Purpose of the Course • Present the steps in the monitoring and evaluation process • Show how gender can be integrated into each step in the M&E process • Show how gender can improve the process and products of M&E

4. Course Objectives At the end of this course participants will understand: • the concept of gender and why it is important in development • basic research concepts and techniques that can be used in monitoring and evaluation • ways in which gender can be integrated into each step in the monitoring and evaluation process

5. Defining Gender • Culturally based expectations about roles and behavior of men and women. • Sex is biologically determined; Gender is socially constructed. • Gender roles vary among societies and change within any given society. • Gender-related beliefs are deeply embedded and there may be strong resistance to change.

6. Defining Gender (Continued) • Gender does not mean women only • In developing a project, it is important to understand the gender roles and design projects within that context • For example, health programs to reduce fertility and maternal and infant mortality: • How do the roles and relationships of men and women impact family planning and maternal and child health programs? • How do gender roles and relationships impact the potential for success of the project?

7. Gender in Development • Recognizing the complexity of women and men’s multiple roles • Involving them in the control of their day-to-day lives • Policy-making, planning and investments must become gender-sensitive

8. Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) • Monitoring is a continuous internal management activity to ensure that the program implementation and on-going operation are on track. • Evaluation is an internal or external management activity to assess whether a program is achieving its intended objectives.

9. Importance of Gender in M&E • Men and women have different development priorities, needs and constraints. • Men and Women are affected differently by development programs. • Standard planning methods often do not capture these differences.

10. Importance of Gender in M&E(Continued) • Efficiency/ equity enhanced when gender differences taken into account. • Enhanced Validity with Gender. • Conventional M&E systems often do not capture gender differences in access and impacts.

11. Issues and Challenges in Gender Sensitive M&E • Assumed “gender neutrality”of M&E methods and processes • M&E units directed and composed by technical staff who lack awareness of gender issues. • Women are often under-represented in evaluation and interview teams.

12. Issues and Challenges in Gender Sensitive M&E(Continued) • Women cannot express themselves freely because • many data collection methods make it difficult • they may be less fluent than men in the language used in the interview • they may not be allowed to speak in village meetings and community consultations. • Obtaining information from both women and men may increase the cost and time of data collection.

13. Steps in M&E Process • Define the problem • Specify the project (program) model • Determine the questions • Select the design Phase 1. Specify model and select design

14. Steps in M&E Process (Continued) Phase 2. Select measures and strategies for data collection & analysis • Identify indicators and measures • Develop your data collection strategy • Identify analysis strategy

15. Steps in M&E Process (Continued) Phase 3. Plan dissemination strategy and use of findings • Define an integrated, effective dissemination strategy • Develop action plan to use findings • Monitor the action plan implementation

16. Design Matrix • A tool that can help focus on all the details • It is a visual tool • Focus is on content not writing style • It is a living document • Planning is an iterative process. • This is a generic format • Change it to fit your style • See the Design Matrix in this workbook

17. Case Examples • Micro-credit • Family Health

18. Case Example: Family Health Project • Decrease: • Fertility rates • Maternal mortality rate • Infant mortality rate • Increase medical availability and access, including family planning • Training women as health providers • Increase health education and promotion