Governance and Justice Program Evaluation

The Governance and Justice Program (GJ) funds research that addresses development challenges posed by insecurity, injustice, and the abuse of power. The GJ supports evidence-based research that helps citizens and public authorities address the sources of violence, exclusion, poor governance and injustice in a gender sensitive manner. The work of the programme is organized around two interrelated thematic areas of focus: (i) creating safer spaces, free from violent conflict and insecurity; and (ii) empowering vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, to prevent and overcome gender violence.

Universalia conducted an utilization-focused, formative evaluation that took stock of the progress made in program delivery since the GJ was last evaluated, examined the extent to which the programme was on track to meet its objectives, and identified key factors enabling or hindering program effectiveness. The evaluation generated learning and insights into two priority areas: i) GJ’s contribution to program outcomes and IDRC’s Strategic Plan; and ii) the effectiveness of strategy implementation. In particular, the evaluation provided insights on the value added (or lack thereof) of the cohort approach introduced following the 2015 External Review.