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How Do We Measure
projects [those that are large-scale or
expected to have substantial impact];
test ‘conventional wisdom’; and rep-
resentative of an agency’s activities.”
I
NTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT not a single definition for impact evalu- Second, classifying issues as soft or
actors confront two challenging ation, this session would use the one hard is a false dichotomy; most have
demands: the need to respond to that centers on assigning attribution both hard (tangible) and soft (intan-
complex development problems by establishing a credible counterfac- gible) measures. Third, we should
with multi-faceted interventions and, tual, i.e. evidence that without a spe- measure the “what” and the “how” of
at the same time, to demonstrate cific action some change would not development interventions. Finally,
impact. In response, InterAction’s have occurred. evaluators and implementers must be
Evaluation and Program Effectiveness Howard White, Executive Director of closely connected.
Working Group hosted the Forum ses- the International Initiative for Impact Dr. Malhotra believes women’s
sion entitled How do we measure what Evaluation (3ie), put forth an objec- empowerment is one of those complex
really counts? Assessing the impact of tive, “to counter the view that [orga- concepts that can and should be mea-
complex development interventions and nizations should] only measure what sured. She defined women’s empower-
applying results. The workshop was is easy to measure and not what mat- ment as “the ability to make strategic
moderated by Carlisle Levine, Senior ters.” To successfully do this, one must life choices,” and clarified this further
Technical Advisor for Advocacy Evi- first clearly define the concept that is stating, “having a cow does not mean
dence Systems and Impact Assess- to be measured. While at the World empowerment, rather it is the ability
ment at CARE USA. Panelists shared Bank, Mr. White measured women’s to use the cow to sell milk and make
their experiences successfully measur- empowerment using indicators at the money.” She compared measuring
ing the impact of empowerment pro- national, intermediary and local levels women’s empowerment to the complex
grams and using evidence to influence and allowing for them to remain cul- issue of poverty—something people
decision-makers. turally specific. have been trying to measure for years.
Ms. Levine noted that, while there is There are a number of surveys such For example, like poverty, women’s
D
Notably, findings can be context spe- O NGOS NEED TO BE CON- otherwise referred to as the organiza-
cific; to generalize results we need a cerned with litigation? Ray tion’s duty of care. InterAction member
wide-ranging body of evidence. Finally, Biagini, a partner at McKenna, organizations are required to comply
those in power must be educated about Long, and Aldridge, says yes. with the Minimum Operating Security
the issues. Yan Bui, Account Executive at Clem- Standards, or MOSS, which can limit
After hearing the presentations per- ents International, and Victor Ferreira, exposure to negligence claims. NGOs
haps a more accurate title for this ses- Senior Consultant at Control Risks, should provide risk assessments to
sion would be, “you can measure what discussed ways in which an NGO is staff working in or travelling to specific
really counts,” with an addendum, at risk and the measures it can take regions or countries that may be dan-
“but it isn’t easy.” MD to protect itself from litigation at the gerous. Staff members should also be
InterAction workshop Increasing Risk asked to review and possibly sign some
and Litigation Exposure. form of written documentation that
Further reading There is a rising trend of NGOs fac- acknowledges their understanding of
Measuring Empowerment in Practice ing litigation due to the increased risk the risks they may encounter.
Structuring Analysis and Framing NGO staff encounter in hostile environ- NGOs should consider having some
Indicators by Ruth Alsop, Nina ments. Although there are not many form of insurance to help mitigate
Heinsohn reported cases, the presenters believed risk. However, even with insurance
there are an increasing number of NGO coverage, NGOs should be proactive
Comparing Incomparable Survey
legal liability lawsuits, typically taking in ensuring that all staff receive secu-
Responses: New Tools for Anchoring
Vignettes by Gary King and Jonathan the form of a negligence (tort) claim. rity training. If the NGO has a security
Wand John Schafer, Senior Security infrastructure, this helps to reduce
Coordinator at InterAction, offered a the premium rates as well as liability.
Measuring Empowerment: Cross- hypothetical scenario: two NGO staff Security standards should be continu-
Disciplinary Perspectives by Deepa members, member Alpha and member ously monitored and communicated
Narayan Bravo, leave for a trip to Haiti. Alpha according to the potential risks that
received security training, the coun- staff may encounter overseas. MD