Excel Evaluations International Limited conducted a comprehensive baseline study to inform the design, implementation and measurement of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Intervention. The assignment generated a detailed understanding of the social, economic and institutional context influencing women’s participation in livelihood and economic activities.

The study examined community attitudes and gender norms, women’s livelihood skills and productive capacities, access to and control over economic resources, financial knowledge, decision-making power, and behaviours associated with economic empowerment. Our services included refinement of the study methodology and indicators, development and pre-testing of data-collection tools, training and supervision of field teams, stakeholder engagement, quantitative and qualitative data collection, data-quality assurance, analysis, and preparation of an evidence-based baseline report.

Through careful community entry, inclusive consultation and systematic quality-control procedures, the assignment produced reliable baseline values and practical insights into the barriers and opportunities affecting women’s economic advancement. The findings provided MIFUMI and ActionAid Uganda with a sound basis for refining intervention priorities, setting realistic performance targets, strengthening monitoring and evaluation arrangements, and tailoring programme activities to the needs and circumstances of the intended beneficiaries.