¿MISION CUMPLIDA? EVALUACIÓN DEL PROGRAMA DE ... - Novib

¿Misión cumplida? Evaluación Programa ON-LAC
- Opposition to more participation of women;
- Cultural and clerical opposition to abortion (in Nicaragua even for therapeutic
purpose).
Civil society has largely contributed to a more inclusive and participatory governance
(Result 3). This has resulted not only in stronger government systems, but also in novel
legislation and public policies. These had a positive bearing on the position of vulnerable
groups, in areas of housing and territorial planning, livelihood, women rights (including
violence and abortion), equitable economic development and fair trade, public policies and
public budget spending as well as human rights. However, in law enforcement there is still
a long way to go. Sustainability of results rests in this regard on seasoned practices, the
establishment of a democratic culture by broad education at an early age, as well as
subsequent formation of leaders at later stages.
The size of reached populations for the goal of active participation in most countries, in
itself hard to assess in approximate numbers, was viewed as rather high by counterparts.
In Brazil alone, where participatory councils are locally widely known, community-based
organisations are participating in the system. Their members have been technically
prepared by Oxfam Novib supported umbrella organisations. Developed strategies and
tactics have resulted in higher municipal budgets and improved development plans.
Council members introduced ‘gender-friendly’ policies and struggled to materialise
benefits to indigenous communities. The strategy to reinforce existing community-based
organisations has thereby yielded the expected results, derived from the support provided
to the overall umbrella organisations.
Although many counterparts were reportedly not aware of a gender criterion in their
selection, the Oxfam Novib strategy to push for more gender equality has shown results.
Even in the only country (Guatemala) where target groups are not mainly composed of
women, the tendency is nowadays more gender-friendly. Regarding the substance of
programmes carried out by counterparts, there are still major difficulties in Peru, Bolivia
and Guatemala. In contrast, counterparts in Brazil can safely be presumed to have gender
policies fully integrated into their work. In all countries there is more emphasis on
technical preparation of female leaders.
With regard to indigenous identity, there are major differences between the countries
covered. A number of organisations in Mexico (Chiapas), Guatemala and Brazil (Amazon)
have the issue of indigenous identity high on their agendas. Specific strategies for
inclusion and defense have been successfully developed. In Bolivia the results for
participation on a municipal level are still small but growing. In Peru, progress was made
with regard to access to justice and land. In Brazil, several organisations work on projects
that favour ‘underrepresented groups’, but disaggregated data are scarce. By and large,
counterparts sufficiently facilitated indigenous emancipation through strengthening local
organisations.
Efficiency
Given the limited nature of most evaluations under Aim 4, available information is
insufficient. However the evaluations studied point to different issues not improving
efficiency such as: thematic diversity (within one organisation), activism, overworked
staff, lack of monitoring systems, no systematic review of experiences, methodologies,
activities and strategies. This is partly due to at times inconsistent feedback provided by
Oxfam Novib. On the other hand, the strategy of working in networks has certainly been
conducive to enhanced efficiency. Due to the lack of adapted monitoring systems, the costbenefit
relationship could not be evaluated.
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