Talking points Understanding the specific local socio-cultural context and the needs, priorities, and capacities of those the programme will work as partners and participants with is critical to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of your interventions.
Why do contextual research?
The goal of contextual research is to get the information you need to design and implement a relevant and effective programme.
- To understand what VAW prevention efforts have been implemented in your context and learn from them.
- To understand the commitment and capacities of different partners, stakeholders, and actors to support the programme.
- To ensure your interventions address key drivers of the specific type of VAW – including for marginalised groups
- To ensure your intervention is sufficiently holistic and intensive to bring about change.
- To ensure your programming aligns with the needs and priorities of diverse women.
- To ensure your various target populations accept and participate in the intervention.
- To anticipate possible unintended consequences and backlash and ensure your interventions do no harm.
- To map the accessibility and quality of response services to ensure you can refer survivors.
“Right-sizing” data collection and analysis
- The feasibility and scope of contextual research will depend on your programme scope, size, resources, and timeframe.
- It will also depend on the existing knowledge you and your partners have of the specific populations and communities and what other data is available.
- In some cases, you may only be able to conduct limited data gathering and analysis.
- However, it is important to consider the questions overleaf and ensure you are able to respond to them.
