26 - ShEvaluator: Raising the next generation of female Monitoring and Evaluation Personnel in Africa.

Abstract Information: This discourse addresses the underrepresentation of women in program evaluation across Africa. It builds upon an ongoing Nigerian thesis titled "The Impact of Gendered Socialization on Women's Participation in Monitoring and Evaluation of Development Projects." Expanding its geographical focus, the research investigates two key, interrelated issues: 1. Impact of Gender-Responsive Evaluation: This examines how integrating gender considerations and feminist evaluation principles into the evaluation process can contribute to more inclusive and impactful development programs in Nigeria. This analysis will explore how gender-responsive evaluation fosters inclusive program design and implementation, ultimately leading to more equitable outcomes. 2. Barriers to Women's Participation: This delves into the factors hindering women's entry and advancement in the field of program evaluation across Africa. It focuses on Nigeria as a case study, exploring how societal expectations, stereotypes, and cultural norms influence women's career choices and opportunities in evaluation. Specific areas of examination include: • Barriers to women career choices towards STEM related fields • Biases in hiring and promotion practices within the field. • Work-life balance challenges for women evaluators. • Limited access to professional networks and mentorship opportunities. By understanding these barriers, the research aims to inform targeted interventions that can promote greater gender equality in the field of program evaluation across Africa.