Creating a National Evaluation Framework on Gender Violence: White Ribbon Canada

Through quarterly web conferences, White Ribbon brings together Canada-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs), some based in provinces, some working nationally, to form the community of practice. The group collectively agreed upon shared values and principles as a basis for developing the NEF, and participation in the project.

• "Foster... accountability: Crucially important are the ways in which accountability is built and fostered between pro-feminist men's initiatives and women's networks...."
• Seek to ensure "[g]irls and women's safety and security: Evidence-based and demonstration of gender equitable attitudes and behaviours in boys and men is critical to ensure efficacy of our programs. Showing positive impacts amongst boys and men is also important in building accountability with women's organizations."
• Frame "[w]ork with men and boys...as complementary to work with women and girls, not as a replacement. While it's important to ensure adequate resources are earmarked to support that work, those resources should not be at the expense of programs for women and girls. Furthermore, male engagement initiatives should be done in collaboration with women's organizations and networks."
• "Acknowledge the accomplishments and continued work by leading women activists and women's organizations in the gender-based violence sector."
• "Affirm a diversity and intersectionality approach when exploring gender. We need to explore and celebrate all gender identities and understand the cross-cutting nature of race, class, ability, age, sexuality on our experience of gender."

An initial evaluation needs assessment was conducted with partner organisations to inform the development of the framework. The process continued with a literature review of evaluation reports and efforts within the sector to identify: indicators, outcomes, promising practices, recommendations for future evaluation work, and theories of change. A set of outcomes was consolidated for developing indicators; a diagram was created profiling eight core outcome areas across four levels of capacity. The initial draft was sent to partners to identify outcomes that most resonated with their work, and two rounds of nationwide site visits were held to gather feedback. A revised version was then sent for feedback, and a third version, edited for simplifying language, was sent for comment and finalisation.

For those interested in learning more about using the national evaluation framework, please visit University of Western Learning Network to RSVP for a webinar being held on January 21 2016.

Gender, Women

Challenges in developing the document involved organisational diversity that included geographic diversity and the range of populations served. Organisations included those that are youth-focused, women-focused, and men-focused, as well as broader community-based organisations.