Making good use of the evaluation includes making it accessible and public so that a broad range of known and unknown audiences may benefit from the knowledge gained in the evaluation. Barrier free access means considering:
- Language and presentation of the report: The report should avoid use of technical jargon, make effective use of graphs or pictures, and be written in a manner that is gender and culturally sensitive.
- Translation: If key stakeholders and affected communities read and work in a language(s) other that in which the report is written, translation will be important (anticipate the need for translation when planning the evaluation so time and budget can be included).
- Making the report public: Within the UN, there is requirement to make all evaluations public (UNEG Norms and Standards) and in UN Womenthis is accomplished by having the Evaluation Unit post the evaluation report in the Evaluation Resource Center (which is publicly accessible).
- Reaching target audiences in a user-friendly way: Many of those who will want to know about the evaluation will not read a written report (this may particularly apply to women and disadvantaged groups who, in many countries, have lower rates of literacy). The manager needs to be creative in using other dissemination channels, suited to different audiences.
Developing a dissemination strategy for the GE/HR responsive evaluation will provide a specific plan to ensure evaluation reaches all key audiences, including those identified in the course of the evaluation and those who are implicated or have an interest, now that the evaluation is complete. Further guidance and a template for a Dissemination Strategy and Calendar is provided.
Key dissemination purposes include:
- Transparency and accountability
- Informing and improving an organisation’s work
- Sharing good practices and ‘how to’ to advance women’s human rights
- Sharing lessons with partners on the ground and building their capacity, and
- Generating knowledge on how gender equality, women’s empowerment and human rights can be advanced
Key audiences may involve: internal audiences (within the organisation); organisations that have partnered in the delivery of the programme (other UN agencies and bodies, CSOs, national, regional, local governments); stakeholders who contributed to the evaluation (e.g. provided information or were part of the reference or other advisory body); and other organisations involved in similar work. The manager should look for both direct and indirect users of the evaluation which might involve working through evaluation networks, gender focal points, human rights bodies or meeting with peers to look at how HRBA and GE is profiled and evaluated.
While evaluations within the United Nations are made public, specific dissemination and communication will improve evaluation use and usefulness. The manager should explore with stakeholders, partners, community leaders and the evaluation team the most effective ways of reaching out widely.
A variety of media may be used for dissemination, such as:
- Brochures outling key evaluation lessons and recommendations
- Annual reports
- Articles in technical or organisational newsletters
- News releases
- Press conferences
- Media appearances
- Public meetings, public debates or town halls
- Seminars, workshops, and informal group discussions
- Electronic media (e-mail, websites, blogs etc.)
- Meeting with community leaders, one on one.
Tip: The important thing is to be creative! The manager needs to think about WHO to reach, for WHAT purpose and HOW to best do this.
