Using the Theory of Change
The Theory of Change should be used in conjunction with an understanding of prior knowledge about VAW, and with an understanding of the findings from the study analysis. If you have followed the Case Study material (in particular part 2) found in this short course, you will be familiar with the findings and context of the study for at least one of the three countries where the study was conducted.
Let us now consider how the Theory of Change could be used within those country contexts. First lets recall the key components of the Theory of Change:
A woman will be
- part of a local women’s organisation that campaigns against VAW
- and will have the support of a peer network and ideally will be aware of any social mobilisers providing support
Awareness and self confidence come from
- understanding violence in many forms and being able to challenge it
- and from having an income that supports independence and builds self confidence
This is all helped through an enabling environment supported by Government that provides legislation and justice and where a woman can enjoy a safe workplace where codes of conduct are followed and be a member of a trade union.
How can this tool be used to influence policy and practice?
The Theory of Change has a range of components, and each in its own right can be thought about in a detailed way.
An initial question to explore within a particular country would be ‘which of these components’ is being addressed well, and where could an intervention at policy or practitioner level make a significant difference? For example do trade unions exist, are peer networks for women in place in many parts of the country and are they supported by social mobilisers.
The Theory of Change can be a reference tool for initially assessing the context, and developing a range of questions that explore the adequacy of the context and services provided to support women, and reduce work related violence. In this way it can be used to:
- Inform the design, implementation and evaluation of existing and future programmes, and
- Influence policy and practice
| Reflection Activity Select one of the components from the Theory of Change, and note down your thoughts on how this component could be strengthened in your country context, or in one of the countries included in the case study material accompanying this short-learning course. |
The final two elements of the uptake strategy go beyond the study, but links can be made with existing knowledge sharing networks that may exist, and study materials can be produced to support capacity strengthening of national researchers. Some suggested approaches are highlighted below:
Share knowledge with researchers and practitioners
- This can be done by producing briefing papers, sharing reports, engaging with media and relevant online fora, using social media and running workshops to disseminate findings. In our study we set up the blog site gendersouthasia.org and linked it to a Facebook group so support knowledge sharing. This short e-learning is a further example of the development of a knowledge product designed to promote wider understanding of the findings from the study, and about what needs to be done to address violence experienced by women involved in different types of work.
Strengthen capacity amongst national researchers to engage with VAW issues and support women who participate in the research
- Links can be made with existing capacity development initiatives. As evident in this study, working in partnership with national researchers is also a great way to ensure that knowledge is shared and capacity is built within the national and international team.
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