Introduction

Effective gender equality programs require robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems that go beyond simply counting numbers. Traditional M&E approaches often fall short, failing to capture the nuanced changes in gender dynamics, power relations, and the diverse experiences of women, men, and gender-diverse individuals. Without a gender-sensitive M&E framework, programs risk misidentifying impacts, overlooking unintended consequences, and ultimately failing to achieve their transformative potential. By integrating gender across all stages of the M&E cycle, from indicator development to data analysis and utilization, organizations can gain deeper insights into their impact, enhance accountability to beneficiaries, and continuously adapt their strategies to foster more equitable outcomes. This essential training course focuses on Monitoring and Evaluation for Gender Equality Programs, empowering participants to measure and learn for true gender transformation.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip M&E professionals, program managers, gender specialists, and civil society actors with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to design, implement, and manage gender-responsive M&E systems for gender equality programs. Participants will learn how to develop appropriate gender-sensitive indicators, collect and analyze sex-disaggregated and qualitative data, and utilize M&E findings to inform program adjustments and advocacy efforts. The course will delve into topics such as feminist M&E principles, ethical considerations in gender data, participatory M&E approaches, and communicating results for impact. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Monitoring and Evaluation for Gender Equality Programs, participants will be empowered to strengthen program effectiveness, enhance accountability, and contribute to measurable progress towards gender equality.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists
• Program Managers and Coordinators (Gender, Development, Humanitarian)
• Gender Advisors and Focal Points
• Researchers and Data Analysts
• Civil Society Organization Staff
• Government Officials involved in Gender Policy and Programming
• Consultants working on gender equality initiatives
• UN Agency Professionals
• Funders and Donors interested in gender-responsive M&E

Course Objectives

• Understand the core principles and importance of gender-sensitive Monitoring and Evaluation.
• Identify key challenges and best practices in M&E for gender equality programs.
• Learn to develop gender-responsive indicators (quantitative and qualitative) at different levels.
• Acquire skills in designing and conducting gender-inclusive data collection methodologies.
• Master techniques for analyzing and interpreting data with a gender and intersectional lens.
• Comprehend the ethical considerations and safeguards in gender equality M&E.
• Explore participatory and feminist M&E approaches for transformative change.
• Develop strategies for utilizing M&E findings to inform program adaptation and advocacy.
• Examine case studies and real-world examples of gender-responsive evaluations.
• Develop a practical M&E plan outline for a gender equality program.
• Enhance communication and reporting skills for gender-specific results.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Gender-Sensitive M&E

• Defining M&E for gender equality: beyond sex-disaggregation.
• Why gender-sensitive M&E is crucial for program effectiveness and accountability.
• Key principles of gender-responsive M&E: fairness, inclusion, relevance, utility.
• Understanding the program cycle and entry points for gender in M&E.
• The role of M&E in achieving gender transformative change.

Module 2: Developing Gender-Responsive Frameworks and Indicators

• Integrating gender into Logical Frameworks (LogFrames) and Theories of Change.
• Identifying appropriate gender equality outcomes and impacts.
• Developing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) gender-sensitive indicators.
• Distinguishing between sex-disaggregated, gender-specific, and gender-transformative indicators.
• Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators for comprehensive insights.

Module 3: Gender-Inclusive Data Collection Methodologies

• Designing gender-sensitive survey questionnaires and interview guides.
• Conducting gender-responsive focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews.
• Ensuring ethical data collection practices: consent, privacy, safety, and confidentiality.
• Addressing power dynamics and cultural sensitivities in data collection.
• Incorporating an intersectional lens in data collection tools.

Module 4: Analyzing and Interpreting Gender Data

• Basic quantitative analysis techniques for sex-disaggregated data.
• Interpreting statistical findings with a gender lens.
• Qualitative data analysis for gender insights (thematic analysis, narrative analysis).
• Conducting intersectional analysis to understand compounded inequalities.
• Identifying unintended consequences and backlashes related to gender.

Module 5: Ethical Considerations and Safeguarding in Gender M&E

• Do No Harm principles in M&E for gender equality programs.
• Protecting the rights and well-being of participants, especially survivors of GBV.
• Data protection and privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, local laws).
• Ensuring secure storage and responsible sharing of sensitive gender data.
• Developing an ethical review process for gender-related M&E.

Module 6: Participatory and Feminist M&E Approaches

• Principles of participatory M&E: empowering beneficiaries in the process.
• How feminist M&E critiques traditional M&E and offers alternatives.
• Tools and methods for participatory gender assessments and evaluations.
• Cultivating a learning culture within gender equality programs.
• Strengthening accountability to beneficiaries and civil society.

Module 7: Gender-Responsive Evaluation Design

• Types of evaluations: formative, summative, process, impact.
• Developing gender-sensitive evaluation questions and criteria.
• Selecting appropriate evaluation methodologies for gender equality programs.
• Ensuring gender expertise within evaluation teams.
• Budgeting for gender-responsive evaluations.

Module 8: Utilizing M&E Findings for Program Adaptation and Learning

• Translating M&E data into actionable insights for program improvement.
• Facilitating learning workshops and reflection sessions based on M&E results.
• Adapting program strategies based on gender-specific findings.
• Reporting and communicating M&E results to diverse stakeholders (donors, policymakers, communities).
• Developing compelling narratives for advocacy and resource mobilization.

Module 9: Institutionalizing Gender-Responsive M&E and Future Trends

• Building organizational capacity for gender-sensitive M&E.
• Integrating gender M&E into existing organizational systems and policies.
• Leveraging technology for gender data management and visualization.
• Emerging trends in M&E for gender equality (e.g., adaptive M&E, big data).
• Developing a personal action plan for applying M&E for gender equality in their context.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training