Integrating an Intersectional Gender Lens in Monitoring and Evaluation: Strengthening Equity and Inclusion in NGO Program Assessments in Uganda

Abstract

Equity and inclusion are not just a pathway for addressing gendered inequalities but also social ones. The two concepts have gained momentum in development work both as guiding principles and programme outcomes yet their achievement either way cannot be achieved without intersectional approaches. In Uganda, NGOs play a significant role in advancing gender and social inequalities yet their interventions remain ineffective due to over reliance on one size fits all approaches which fail to capture diverse experiences of various individuals. Overall, the study examined how an intersectional gender lens can be integrated into monitoring and evaluation frameworks to strengthen equity and inclusion in NGO programme assessments in Uganda, first by examining the relevance of integrating an intersectional gender lens in NGO monitoring and evaluation frameworks, the gaps in the existing conventional M&E frameworks and the barriers to integrating intersectionality into monitoring and evaluation in Uganda. Two theories; the Feminist Intersectional theoretical framework and the Theory of Change (ToC) informed the study, guided by exploratory and descriptive research designs, employing both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Primary data was collected using key informant interviews and focus group discussions for qualitative data and semi-structured surveys for quantitative data obtained from NGO practitioners, complemented by secondary data generated using a comprehensive review of literature. Qualitatively, data were analysed systematically and thematically using both deductive and inductive coding while quantitative data were analysed using excel.

The study found out that while most NGOs implement gender sensitive programming, lack M&E frameworks and some practitioners have limited conceptual understanding of intersectionality and its application, participants appreciated its relevance in ensuring and strengthening equity and inclusion in development programmes including its ability to recognise diversity, improved program performance, prioritisation of the most marginalised, gender inclusion and its support in achieving equitable outcomes. Gaps in conventional M&E frameworks included; sole focus on sex or gender disaggregated data, limited participation, the focus on output rather than equity focused outcomes and structural, institutional and financial barriers to integrating intersectionality included limited conceptual understanding of the term, lack of practical tools and guidelines, donor directives on reporting mechanisms, resource constraints. The study concludes that intersectionality is a key pathway to inequalities and therefore integrating an intersectional gender lens into NGO M&E frameworks is not only feasible but also a necessity. However, it requires deliberate multi-faceted approaches. The research recommends among others; strengthening learning, knowledge sharing, capacity of M&E staff within the NGO sector for practice and conduction of sector-specific research on intersectionality and the role of funding structures for further research.