Feminist participatory evaluation (FPE) is an approach to program evaluation that aims to promote gender equality and empower women through a participatory and inclusive process. FPE recognizes that traditional evaluation methods often fail to capture the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups, including women and especially girls, and can perpetuate unequal power dynamics.
In FPE, women are actively involved in all stages of the evaluation process, from designing the evaluation to interpreting and using the findings. FPE emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for women to share their experiences and perspectives and for their voices to be heard and valued.
FPE also recognizes that gender is a complex and intersectional concept and that other factors, such as race, class, sexuality, and ability, can intersect with gender to create unique experiences and perspectives. As such, FPE seeks to promote an inclusive and intersectional approach to evaluation that recognizes and respects the diversity of women’s experiences.
The process for conducting research using feminist participatory evaluation (FPE) involves several stages, which are outlined below:
Planning
In the planning stage, researchers must identify the research question and objectives and define the scope of the research. This involves identifying the population of interest, the methods of data collection and analysis, and the ethical considerations of the research.
Building relationships
FPE requires building relationships of equity and trust, to ensure everyone understands the value of their perspectives, and the researchers’ commitment to FPE. This involves engaging with the community, building relationships with community leaders and gatekeepers, and identifying the most appropriate ways to engage with participants.
Data collection
FPE emphasizes the importance of using various data collection methods sensitive to the needs and perspectives of marginalized groups, including women. This involves using participatory methods such as focus groups, individual interviews, and surveys and incorporating arts-based methods such as storytelling, drama, and photography.
Analysis
In the analysis stage, researchers must identify the themes and patterns that emerge from the data while also being sensitive to the diversity of women’s experiences. This involves using a feminist lens to interpret the data and to ensure that the findings are grounded in the experiences and perspectives of women. The data may need to be anonymised, pseudonymised, or protected in other ways to ensure the safety of the women and communities involved.
Validation
FPE emphasizes the importance of validating the findings with the community to ensure they are accurate and relevant. This involves sharing the findings with the community, seeking feedback and input, and making any necessary revisions.
Dissemination
Finally, researchers must disseminate the findings to the wider community, including policymakers, practitioners, and others. This involves using various methods such as presentations, reports, and media to ensure that the findings are widely shared and can be used to inform decision-making.
FPE requires researchers to be reflexive and critically examine their biases throughout this process. This involves being transparent about their positionality and being open to feedback and critique from the community. By following these steps, researchers can conduct research sensitive to the needs and perspectives of marginalized groups, including women, that can be used to promote gender equality and empowerment.
