Evidence M&E needs to be discussed at the start: The initial stage of the design phase is the best time to decide on your M&E approach. This means that you will have time to secure sufficient budgets in your negotiations with funders, form the right partnerships and factor in realistic timeframes. Delaying M&E planning will reduce your options and is likely to limit your ability to demonstrate the value of your programme.
Ethics needs to be central: Ethical considerations should not be an afterthought; they are central to safe and effective M&E. Data is more reliable and useful when it is collected from people who feel safe, respected and in control of the activities they are being asked to participate in. M&E that is not developed in an ethical way can lead to unreliable data and cause harm.
A theory of change (ToC) is your best starting point: A ToC should guide you to define the types of change you expect as a result of your interventions and the pathways through which you expect change to happen. This is central to designing measurable indicators and a robust M&E approach.
Mixed method evaluation is best: Mixed methods approaches combine quantitative and qualitative data collection and can complement each other to strengthen your findings about what changes have happened, how and why – as well as any obstacles to change.
Having the right expertise is essential. Quantitative and qualitative research skills are essential, but so too is technical experience of VAW prevention programming. Often programme and evaluation teams will need to work together closely to ensure the right mix.
