Talking points Robust M&E is integral to delivering high quality programmes, central to accountability to funders and beneficiaries and is a prerequisite for learning and informing decisions about how to adapt, expand or strengthen a programme and avoid repeating interventions which are unsuccessful. In addition, there are a number of reasons why robust M&E is especially important for VAW prevention work. These reasons need to be understood by programme teams and funders so that necessary time and budget can be allocated to M&E.
- Increasing safety and addressing backlash: VAW programming usually involves challenging existing power dynamics, inequalities and behaviours and hence there is a high risk of backlash. While safety measures can be embedded in programmes to reduce these risks and address any intended consequences as part of a adopting a ‘Do No Harm’ approach.
- Strengthening the global evidence base: there is an ongoing need to identify the most effective and efficient violence prevention interventions that can brought to scale. Evaluations of EVAW programmes have a vital role to play in generating evidence of impact and practice-based learning and strengthening organisational learning on how to design and implement programmes well. Sharing learning from evaluations helps to increase knowledge in the sector and improve decisions.
- Ensuring effective innovation and adaptation: It is critical to continue to experiment, adapt and innovate to develop VAW prevention programmes which are tailored to the local context and as effective as possible. Well-designed M&E helps programme teams take innovative steps safely and track how well activities are working in a particular location and with specific groups. M&E supports ongoing learning and reflection increasingly the likelihood of positive impact.
- Reassuring and motivating programme teams: EVAW programmes can be difficult and emotionally demanding for teams. Effective monitoring and evaluation can help to capture the true value of a programme and ensure positive impacts are visible. This can help to equip programme teams with a more tangible sense of what they are achieving, motivating them to continue and providing them with the recognition they deserve.
