6.4. Integrate WEEGE into the Theory of Change

After a thorough understanding of the WEEGE context has been established, the next step in the process is to develop a WEEGE theory of change (ToC), also called a development hypothesis. One way to begin this process is by thinking about what things would look like in-country when WEEGE is strengthened. Statements such as, “We will know that WEEGE has been strengthened when x, y and z conditions are present,” can be helpful to think through when creating a ToC that will best describe a WEEGE landscape. (For more tips on developing a ToC, refer to USAID Learning Lab resources, including Theory of Change: It’s Easier Than You Think, What is this thing called 'Theory of Change'?, and Theories of Change. Refer to key WEEGE information - such as Resource 2: WEEGE Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning; Unit 1, Resource 1: Data Sources; and Unit 2, Tool 1: WEEGE Principles Checklist and ADS 205 - to help develop a ToC that incorporates WEEGE.) For example, in its previous 2013-2017 CDCS, the USAID Jordan Mission put forward a goal and hypothesis that drives its work.USAID/Jordan recently released a 2020-2025 CDCS which can be found at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CDCS-Jordan-2020-2025.pdf.

USAID/Jordan’s goal for the strategy period is to improve prosperity, accountability, and equality for a stable, democratic Jordan…. The…four [development] objectives are inextricably linked…to increase the country’s prospects for long-term stability and prosperity. Water, energy…programs will link demand management approaches and conservation… Helping slow down Jordan’s rapid population growth rates will enable…better services…and protect…natural resources. Improvements in education will equip Jordan’s youth with employability and life skills…creating jobs and enhancing workforce preparedness, will spur economic growth, especially for disadvantaged populations. Enhancing political participation…will raise public confidence in government accountability. And, pursuing more effective investments in gender equality and female empowerment will accelerate progress in development. Finally, … the Syrian refugee crisis has impacted Jordan’s resources. (Emphasis added.)

In that example, USAID Jordan emphasized (in italics) the necessity of addressing women’s empowerment and equality as part of its Mission’s ToC. This pronouncement is important because the ToC informs the establishment of DOs and sets the goals and intentions for the work of that Mission. How to implement this commitment is addressed in the next section.