Page Header

The evaluation of UN Women Niger's portfolio from 2018 to mid-2022 aimed to assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of its gender equality programs in a challenging socio-political context marked by significant gender inequality and recent political instability. Conducted by a team led by UN Women’s Independent Evaluation Service, the evaluation utilized a gender-responsive and human rights-based approach, incorporating qualitative data from interviews and document reviews to analyze the impact of UN Women’s interventions. The findings revealed notable achievements, such as increased women's representation in political roles and effective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, which included targeted support for vulnerable women. However, challenges persisted, including the erosion of gains in women's political participation due to insufficient post-election initiatives and the need for improved coordination among UN agencies. The evaluation highlighted the importance of addressing the underlying causes of gender inequality, particularly in a context where cultural norms often hinder progress. Additionally, while UN Women made strides in women's economic empowerment through initiatives like climate-resilient agriculture, the sustainability of these efforts remained uncertain, with limited evidence of lasting income improvements for rural women. The evaluation underscored the necessity for enhanced collaboration among UN agencies to effectively combat gender-based violence and improve the overall impact of gender equality initiatives. The recommendations included: 1. Continue influencing the country's Gender Policy; 2. Develop post-election initiatives for women's political participation; 3. Strengthen collaboration among UN agencies; 4. Enhance results-based monitoring; 5. Revitalize the Gender Theme Group; 6. Ensure inclusivity in program proposals for marginalized groups.