How do you use data and evidence to challenge systemic oppression and discrimination in program evaluation?

1 Define equity and social justice goals

Before you start collecting and analyzing data, you need to define what equity and social justice mean for your program and its stakeholders. Equity and social justice are not just abstract concepts, but concrete outcomes that reflect the values, needs, and aspirations of the people you serve. You need to involve them in setting the goals, indicators, and criteria for your program evaluation. You also need to acknowledge the historical and structural factors that create and maintain inequities and injustices in your context, and how your program aims to address them.

2 Choose appropriate methods and tools

Not all methods and tools are suitable for challenging systemic oppression and discrimination in program evaluation. You need to choose methods and tools that are culturally responsive, participatory, and empowering. For example, you may use mixed methods that combine quantitative and qualitative data, or participatory action research that engages stakeholders in co-creating knowledge and action. You may also use tools that facilitate dialogue, reflection, and learning, such as storytelling, photovoice, or most significant change.

4 Communicate data and evidence effectively

How you communicate your data and evidence can make a difference in challenging systemic oppression and discrimination in program evaluation. You need to communicate your data and evidence in ways that are accessible, transparent, and respectful to your audience. You need to use formats and languages that are appropriate for your context and culture, and that highlight the stories and insights of your stakeholders. You also need to use data visualization and storytelling techniques that convey the complexity, diversity, and nuance of your data and evidence, and that invite feedback and dialogue.

5 Use data and evidence for learning and improvement

The ultimate purpose of using data and evidence in program evaluation is to learn and improve your program and its impact. You need to use your data and evidence to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of your program, and to generate recommendations and actions for improvement. You also need to use your data and evidence to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and innovations of your program and its stakeholders, and to recognize the challenges, barriers, and gaps that still exist. You need to create a culture of learning and improvement that values equity and social justice as core principles and practices of your program evaluation.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?