6.7. Integrate WEEGE into the PMP or MEL Plans

All the work from the aforementioned processes must be codified into a PMP or MEL plan. The PMP or MEL plan contents will vary slightly depending on how planning is carried out (select this link to ADS 201 for specific requirements), but it likely will require outlining specific goals, objectives, context and data collection plans, as well as a results framework. At the CDCS or RDCS level, the Mission will document what it would like to achieve in both the PMP (select this link for a PMP "How-To Note") and the results framework (select this link for a template).

At the project and activity levels, refer to the CDCS, PDD, activity design and planning documents, as well as any other Mission planning documents, to ensure that MEL planning at the specific operating level incorporates all the MEL requirements articulated previously (select this link for a Project MEL Plan "How-To Note". At the activity level, the MEL plan must be in place before major implementation begins, and it should be consistent with the CDCS or RDCS PMP, PDD, and any other Mission expectationsWhen working with implementing partners, keep in mind that they may use terms differently, so it is important to define and clarify them. Implementing partners often refer to USAID “activities” as projects or programs and do not have a specific term for what USAID calls a “project.” (select this link for an Activity "How-To Note").

Because MEL planning happens at multiple levels across many sectors and is an on-going process, make sure that it is well organized and includes multiple levels of controls. Tool 2: WEEGE MEL Worksheet includes a series of tables that can help to structure and think through this process, as well as ensure that the MEL team tracks and harmonizes WEEGE MEL across all levels.

When setting up a MEL system, ensure the following:

  • All data for WEEGE needs to be disaggregated by sex and age, whether or not this is specifically indicated. Additionally, disaggregating by other categories (such as ethnicity, education level, marital status and disability status) helps ensure that WEEGE solutions respond to the specific needs, strengths and priorities of different groups of women.
  • Sufficient and accurate WEEGE baseline data is critical to measure impact. To assess the effects of interventions on WEEGE, it is necessary to compare baseline data to other points in time. Findings from a gender analysis integrating WEEGE can serve as baseline information from which to judge progress. The MEL team may also plan initial baseline data collection. Select this link to Performance Indicator Baselines for further guidance.
  • Targets must be achievable and meaningful. Targets for inputs, outputs and outcomes are based on planned actions during the activity. These targets help determine if implementation was carried out as planned. Targets for outcomes are based on changes that can be expected as a result of implementation. Select this link to Performance Indicator Targets for further guidance.
  • Information should be feasible to collect, analyze and report on.
  • Engendered evaluations based on mixed methods should be part of all MEL plans. Evaluations should make use of WEEGE information collected through activity data collection and through primary information collection. This data should be compared to WEEGE baseline measurements. The USAID Evaluation Policy highlights the need for evaluation plans to be made at the design stage, so that adequate baselines can be conducted.