|
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of an Initiative to Develop Leadership Skills Among Women in Africa: A Case Study
|
| Presenter(s):
|
| Jane Wakahiu, Marywood University, jwakahiu@m.marywood.edu
|
| Abstract:
This evaluation research is a qualitative case study assessing the impact of a three-year Hilton Foundation-supported, Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) in five African nations. The goal was to evaluate the SLDI program for increasing leadership capacities of 340 women in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria. The primary objective was to determine the program effectiveness, by observing the changes it effected in trainees and their communities. Another objective was to assess the pedagogical practices used by both international (USA) and local (African) instructors to deliver instruction that directly applied to the trainees' workplaces. Also, the research evaluated the sustainability strategies in place to support trainee projects and future leadership programs. The design of evaluation is drawn from the theoretical perspectives elucidated by transformational leadership theory (Bass, 1985), diffusion of innovation theory (Rogers, 2003) and cultural software of the mind (Hofstede & Hofstede, 2005). The methodology consisted on-site, data collection in Africa through in-depth interviews, site-visits observations, field notes, program document analysis, and informal conversations with subjects including program administrators and instructors. The sample consisted of 45 interviewees, including 32 trainees drawn from the five sub-Saharan countries, ten instructors - four from East Africa, three from West Africa and the United States respectively, and three regional administrators. Results indicate that the program goals were attained, significant impact was evident in the trainees' adaptation of new leadership styles and models in their workplaces, innovative projects they implemented and measurable economic benefits realized. Utilizing local and international instructors enhanced instruction by affording intercultural cross-fertilization. This evaluation illustrates how the design of leadership programs can confirm the creation of innovative practice for effective organizational management
|
|
A New Frontier? Gender & Rights Responsive Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
|
| Presenter(s):
|
| Florence Etta, African Evaluation Association, florence.etta@gmail.com
|
| Abstract:
For over one century political rhetoric on social justice and assertive programming in human rights, and women's rights have generated and greatly expanded the literature as well as legal and political tools and instruments, created a number of local as well as global institutions and, above all popularized the notion and language of universal and attainable human rights. The investments have been massive and in many instances the gains have been critical and significant. In spite of the huge investments and all the creativity in development programming, gender equality and women's empowerment remain a yet to be attained outcome and a Millennium Development Goal of the global community.
The human rights approach offers a fresh opportunity for multi- dimensional and particularly downward accountability. Through a rights related development field of monitoring and evaluation, the beginning of the downstream application of human rights could lead to profound changes and social transformation.
|
|
From the Perpetrator's Perspective: Measuring the impact of a Domestic Violence Program in the Caribbean
|
| Presenter(s):
|
| Rohan Jeremiah, St George's University, cahiso@gmail.com
|
| Abstract:
The United Nations Women Partnership for Peace Program (PFP) was established in 2005 to safeguard the rights of Caribbean women with a Caribbean-specific model and program to reduce the prevalence of domestic violence perpetrated by men. This paper presents the evaluation of the PFP, specifically looking at the reduction of domestic violence incidents within families and communities associated with the program. The evaluation model was carefully constructed to be culturally appropriate and adaptable on the basis of two strategies: retrospective analysis among PFP graduates; and, current analysis among enrolled participants. This methodology was uniquely conceptualized to capture how accurate the PFP model was responsive to the complex social relations and cultural dynamics within local communities. This paper will present how the evaluation model was conceptualized and implemented and its ability to capture the nuances of the PFP's impact.
|
| | |