aes24 International Evaluation Conference

Authors: Linda Kelly (Praxis Consultants), Elizabeth Jackson (Latrobe University, AU)

This presentation focuses on a multi-year program funded by Australia that aims to empower people marginalised by gender, disability and other factors. Like similar programs, the work is subject to regular monitoring and evaluation - testing the effectiveness of program activities largely from the perspective of the Australian and national country Government.
But what of the views of the people served by the program? Is the impact of the various activities sufficient to empower them beyond their current condition? How significant are the changes introduced by the program, given the structural, economic, social and other disadvantages experienced by the marginalised individuals and groups.
Drawing from feminist theory, qualitative research methods and managed with local research and communication experts this presentation outlines the study focused on the long-term impact of the program.

The presentation will outline the methodology and practical considerations in the development of the approach and data collection methodologies. It will highlight the value of exploring impact from a qualitative perspective, while outlining the considerable management and conceptual challenges required in designing, introducing and supporting such an approach. It will consider some of the implications in shifting from traditional evaluation methods to more open-ended enquiry and consider whose values are best served through evaluation versus impact assessment?