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While indicators make it possible to measure a range of changes and programmatic impacts, only those that are needed should be included in monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) frameworks. This is because each additional indicator requires additional data collection and this can place a burden on populations. So there needs to be enough indicators to meaningfully and robustly measure change, but not an excessive number. This is in line with ethical guidelines for data collection and supports a survivor-centred approach across all areas of work.

Different data collection methods and…

A good indicator should be clear and concise. It should focus on a single issue that provides relevant information on a situation; particularly information that provides the strategic insight required for effective planning and sound decision-making. Each indicator should include a description of what it measures, the tools needed to gather the data, and the calculations involved in producing the measurement. Ensuring indicators are SMART is a helpful way to guide this process:

Specific: Indicators should be specific and clearly defined, with a clear meaning and scope.
Measurable: Indicat…

Methods of data collection and measuring change should be both quantitative and qualitative to provide a more comprehensive understanding of progress towards reducing VAWG, addressing risk factors for VAWG, and providing high quality services to improve survivor wellbeing.

In terms of primary data collection, quantitative methods of information-gathering and measurement typically include surveys, questionnaires and statistics. Qualitative methods include interviews, focus group discussions and safety audits or observations. Qualitative methods can provide contextual information on risks…

You will need to design a range of indicators to measure change at different levels of your programme in line with your theory of change: for example, indicators to track whether activities and outputs are delivered in the short-term in line with your programme design, and indicators to measure whether the the expected outcomes and longer-term impacts are achieved. The table below gives examples:


Type of Indicator


What the Indicator Measures


Level of Change Example


Indicator Examples

Input indicators

Measure the resources and…

A participatory approach to monitoring, evaluation and reporting will usually make use of several techniques and tools selected and combined to suit the objectives of the work and the resources available. Standard tools for data collection (i.e. key informant interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, case studies) can be used in a participatory approach if facilitated in a manner which supports deeper participation of stakeholders, rather than extract information.

Some specific tools have been designed to support PMER, often based on visual aids and using locally…

PMER aims at effectively tracking programmatic achievements and challenges, while acknowledging and addressing deep-rooted power imbalances often reproduced by development programming. It’s therefore important to prioritise relationship building, moving at a pace which fosters trust for genuine collaboration and is flexible enough to support meaningful engagement around PMER, and ultimately contribute to movement building.

The following conditions can support efficient implementation for using participatory approaches:

Time: Participatory approaches take time and resources, and the…

To implement a PMER approach consistently and across the programme cycle, it can be helpful to convene working groups on strategic PMER development and implementation. Members of the working group should represent a variety of local stakeholders, including civil society, rights holders and key stakeholders (including women and girls, feminist and women’s rights activists and organisations). As an example, the role of the working group could include:

Providing strategic advice on the overall scope and direction of the PMER approach and strategy.
Providing technical advice on implementing…

Violence against women and girls is rooted in an unequal distribution of power and resources, reinforced through harmful social norms, behaviours and practices. To address this, programming should advance rights-based social norms, attitudes and behaviours at societal, community and individual levels. An effective way to do this is through an inclusive, locally-driven, participatory approach to programming, including in monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes.

To understand how participatory approaches can help address gender inequality and unequal power dynamics, see how the…

Given the highly sensitive nature of data about violence against women and girls, it is important that robust ethical and safety protocols and procedures are in place to ensure the safety of respondents and the research team. In many cases, this includes securing ethical permissions from national ethics committees and/or university ethics boards. For more information, read how to conduct ethical data collection.

When conducting primary research, it is important to test data collection tools, particularly for large-scale prevalence surveys. Piloting will help test the survey wording, interview training, safety and emotional distress protocols, data capture, quality control, and coding. This stage is also useful for identifying potential issues with response rates and refusals, particularly in subgroups of interest, and ensures the survey’s sample size is adequate for reliable data. The results of the pilot stage are instrumental in finalising the data collection methods and, if weaknesses are…