Beyond the easy-to-measure outputs—like the number of women trained—we track real outcomes, goals, and long-term impact. We measure economic outcomes such as income levels, employment, and savings behavior. We assess well-being outcomes like agency, confidence, and mental health. We track goals like progress out of poverty, using tangible measures such as housing quality and assets. And we look at long-term impact, including whether graduates’ children can attend and remain in school. Currently, we track school attendance, and as our programs grow, we plan to measure high school graduation rates, a critical milestone in breaking the generational cycle of poverty.

To ensure accuracy and depth, we conduct structured, in-person surveys at participants’ homes, allowing for honest responses and direct observation of living conditions. Data is collected at four key points: before training begins, two months after graduation to assess early progress, and at one and two years post-graduation to track long-term impact. We verify financial records through bookkeeping cross-checks and confirm living standards through household observations. Every survey is custom-designed and conducted in the local language to ensure clarity and reliability. We also refine our indicators over time, narrowing them down to the most meaningful and actionable measures of success.

Tracking impact isn’t just about proving success—it’s about ensuring we deliver it. After every M&E survey cycle, our staff analyze the data, identify lessons, and adjust our programs accordingly. If something isn’t working, we refine it. If something is exceeding expectations, we scale it up. We carefully choose what to measure based on a custom-designed logical framework that aligns with our ultimate goals. While we incorporate international best practices, our framework was built around priorities defined by local women and staff, ensuring we track progress in ways that reflect the realities of the community. By combining rigorous data collection with community-driven definitions of success, we operate at a level of thoughtful evaluation that surpasses many much larger organizations.