Project Title: Provision of Gender Data Collection Service
Client: Polish Aid
Locations: Kabul, Nangarhar, Herat, and Balkh, Afghanistan
Duration: April 2018 – June 2018
Implemented by: Awtsaar Logistic and Consultancy Services
Executive Summary:
The Provision of Gender Data Collection Service project, executed by Awtsaar Logistic and Consultancy Services for Polish Aid in Kabul, Nangarhar, Herat, and Balkh, Afghanistan, aimed to collect gender-disaggregated data to inform development programs and policies. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the project’s objectives, activities, achievements, challenges faced, and outcomes realized during the implementation period from April 2018 to June 2018.
Objectives:
- Data Collection: Collect gender-disaggregated data on various social, economic, and demographic indicators to inform development planning and decision-making processes.
- Analysis and Reporting: Analyze collected data to identify gender disparities, trends, and patterns, and prepare comprehensive reports for Polish Aid and other stakeholders.
- Capacity Building: Build the capacity of local data collectors and stakeholders in gender-sensitive data collection methodologies and analysis techniques.
Activities Undertaken:
- Needs Assessment:
- Conducted a needs assessment to identify the specific data requirements and priorities of Polish Aid and other stakeholders.
- Training of Data Collectors:
- Trained a team of data collectors in gender-sensitive data collection methodologies, ensuring adherence to ethical and confidentiality standards.
- Data Collection:
- Conducted field surveys and interviews in Kabul, Nangarhar, Herat, and Balkh to collect gender-disaggregated data on key indicators such as education, health, employment, and access to services.
- Data Analysis:
- Analyzed collected data using statistical software to identify gender disparities, trends, and patterns, and generate insights for decision-making.
- Report Preparation:
- Prepared comprehensive reports summarizing the findings of the gender data collection exercise, including key findings, analysis, and recommendations.
Achievements:
- Comprehensive Data Collection: The project successfully collected gender-disaggregated data on a wide range of social, economic, and demographic indicators, providing valuable insights into gender disparities and inequalities.
- Informed Decision-Making: The analysis of collected data enabled Polish Aid and other stakeholders to make informed decisions and formulate evidence-based policies and programs to address gender-related challenges.
- Capacity Building: Training initiatives enhanced the capacity of local data collectors and stakeholders in gender-sensitive data collection methodologies and analysis techniques, building sustainable local capacity in data collection and analysis.
Challenges Faced:
- Security Concerns: Security challenges in some project locations posed risks to the safety and security of data collectors, requiring careful risk assessment and mitigation measures.
- Cultural Sensitivities: Addressing cultural sensitivities and gender norms during data collection required tact and sensitivity to ensure the participation and cooperation of respondents, particularly in conservative communities.
- Data Quality Assurance: Ensuring the quality and reliability of collected data required rigorous quality assurance measures, including data validation and verification processes.
Lessons Learned:
- Community Engagement: Engaging local communities and stakeholders in the data collection process fosters ownership and trust, enhancing the quality and reliability of collected data.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Maintaining flexibility and adaptability in data collection methodologies and approaches is essential for addressing unexpected challenges and changing circumstances.
- Ethical Considerations: Upholding ethical standards and ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of respondents are paramount in gender data collection exercises, requiring clear guidelines and protocols.
Conclusion:
The Provision of Gender Data Collection Service project, implemented by Awtsaar Logistic and Consultancy Services for Polish Aid in Kabul, Nangarhar, Herat, and Balkh, Afghanistan, has successfully achieved its objectives of collecting gender-disaggregated data to inform development planning and decision-making processes. Despite facing challenges related to security concerns, cultural sensitivities, and data quality assurance, the project has generated valuable insights into gender disparities and inequalities, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and program development. Moving forward, it is important for Polish Aid and other stakeholders to continue leveraging gender data to address gender-related challenges and promote gender equality and social inclusion in Afghanistan.