Mid-term review of the Save the Children in Ethiopia’s strategic partnership with Norwegian Embassy on combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Background
In 2006 the Royal Norwegian Embassy formulated a “Proposal for the implementation of The Norwegian Government’s International Action Plan for Combating FGM in Ethiopia”, in which the main recommendations by the review team were endorsed. This included the suggestion that a strategic partner should be identified for coordination and follow-up of the FGM work.  On this background the Embassy decided that support should be provided through a Strategic Partnership with Save the Children Norway in Ethiopia. A contract was then signed for the period Dec. 2006 – Dec. 2010. The partnership comprised projects implemented by CARE-Ethiopia, Population Media Center (PMC), and Ye Ethiopia Goji Limadawi Dirgitoch Aswogaj Maherber – EGLDAM (National Committee on Traditional Practices in Ethiopia), Afar Women’s Affairs Bureau, Rohi-Weddu Pastoral Women Development Organization, and Radio Fana. 

Purpose/objective
The overall purpose of the mid term review (MTR) was to assess to what extent the projects within the Partnership were proceeding according to plans and desired outcomes. The issues to be covered by the evaluation include: to assess the approaches chosen, the involvement of stakeholders, the selection of change agents; the functions of the networking, advocacy and documentation., to assess the role of SCN-E as a strategic partner with the Embassy, as well as with the implementing partners, regarding coordination, quality assurance, capacity-building, advocacy and networking. Furthermore the objective of the evaluation was to get recommendations on improvements required for future programming.

Methodology
The evaluation team has used different methodologies that include review of background documents and relevant published material pertaining to the various partners within the Partnership. A self-assessment form, addressing potential benefits arising from the Partnership, was administered and discussions with partner organizations were conducted.

Key findings
The findings of the evaluation has brought up that the different partners are performing well and their strategies and approaches are sound and well suited for the task ahead. Some partners are in fact doing very good work in terms of both results and of impact, and SCN-E has been able to meet challenges in commendable ways. A particular strength of the Partnership is that the partners complement each other by operating selectively, but simultaneously, on national, regional and local levels, targeting different categories of stakeholders. On the whole, the experience with community-based approaches has been promising. It is the community that must change, not the individuals. There are indications that the FGM prevalence is decreasing, also in Afar region. The Team observed progress in terms of awareness raising and coverage, as well as considerable commitment from regional leaders and local key persons.

Recommendations
• Geographical coverage is essential to facilitate social change. In order to change traditions and cultural practices, it is important to establish a ‘critical mass’ of committed families. The interventions should, to the extent possible, be undertaken simultaneously in adjacent intermarrying villages.
• Continuous involvement of religious and traditional leaders is crucial in a place such as Afar where most people still
adhere to local perceptions and ways of life.
• Since ‘marriage ability’ is acknowledged to be a driving force in maintaining FGM, men of all ages and not least
adolescent boys, should be more carefully targeted in practical project work.
• An effort should be made towards developing a common approach with all stakeholders concerning the reported
transition from infibulations to sunna.
• The Team recommends that clinical services for women and girls suffering from adverse affects of FGM should be
considered.
• It is the opinion of the Team that the efforts against FGM in Afar are promising and should be continued, and that
planning for interventions beyond 2010 should be started. There is a momentum for change that should be grasped.