CGIAR Science Groups Evaluations: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

This sub-study was conducted under the umbrella of the independent evaluations of the three CGAR Science Groups (SGs) (Portal), in accordance with the evaluation Terms of Reference (ToR). A designated evaluation question across SGs helped to identify further areas for further inquiry, providing an overview across the SGs and Initiatives: (1) approach and progress on GESI; (2) examples of achievements and challenges; and (3) lessons learned. Although the interview protocols included only one question specifically about gender and inclusion, the team analyzed responses to other thematic questions for implicit and indirect references to GSI and GDI issues. Additionally, inquiry considered alignment of the SG implementation to the CGIAR GDI Framework (2020): “teams that are more diverse and inclusive, consistently problem-solve more accurately and successfully on complex issues than homogenous ones."

Responsiveness to gender, diversity, and inclusion (GDI) is one of the 15 standards in the CGIAR-wide Evaluation Framework. It requires that GDI be fully integrated into the process of developing and conducting evaluations. Other related standards and principles include (1) ethics and equity; and (2) legitimacy and participation. Collectively, they highlight: (a) the importance of incorporating ethical and equity considerations into the design and execution of evaluations; and (b) the value of involving and consulting relevant informants during evaluations to ensure legitimacy, quality, and adequate representation. 

Under the TORs, the key concepts of the study included: gender equality tagging and enhanced gender scoring (see section 3.1). Aligned with the mixed-methods design and in line with the CGIAR Evaluation Framework, each SG evaluation described a gender-responsive process that was inclusive, participatory, and respectful of stakeholders.

Several recommendations emerged from the SG evaluations, some echo previously made recommendations from the GENDER Platform evaluation (2023) and Synthesis of CRPs (2021).

• Align work on gender, equity, and social inclusion with the Gender Strategy being developed (Rec. 15)
• Further broaden the internal skills set to include more social scientists, gender, partnerships, and communication experts. (Rec. 7 from the GENDER Platform evaluation 2023)
• Establish a formal relationship between the GENDER Impact Platform and upcoming SPs to foster collaboration (related to Platform Rec. 10)
• Strengthen partnerships and co-identify and prioritize research gaps and activities with key partners. (Platform Rec. 1 and rec. 25 in 2021 Synthesis)

Sub-study recommended actions to operationalize include (see more in the study):

• For the Portfolio 2025-27, facilitated by the GESI Accelerator, adopt a greater focus on gender transformative research.
• Focus workplan on GESI, along with related Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) components.
• Ensure gender is integrated into SPs, as GESI are cross-cutting and essential for program success.
• Allocate 10-15% or more of the future SPs budget to GESI and ensure the appropriate allocation of GESI specialists to SPs based on their size and complexity of research activity.
• Strengthen CGIAR processes and systems to promote gender equality within the workplace.

And more.

Together, recommendations, actions, and lessons learnt, aim is to enhance GESI within CGIAR as it enters the next phase of its SPs and Accelerators-the new 2025-30 CGIAR Portfolio.

See SG evaluations portal and a related sub-study on Climate Change, and forthcoming review of Gender, Diversity and Inclusion/Culture and Engagement in CGIAR.

CGIAR Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES). (2025). CGIAR Science Groups Evaluations: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion. Rome: IAES Evaluation Function.

Author(s)

Kathryn Sproule, Donna Podems and Science Group Evaluation Teams

Publisher

IAES Evaluation Function