Hnin Ei Lwin

Evaluation is a key component of a learning and accountability system, whether in a project, an organization, or our personal lives.  It helps us reflect on what we have done, learn from our experiences, and hold ourselves accountable for how we can improve. Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitarian #publichealth    A collection of my Research and MEARL insights is available at:  https://hnineilwinnotes.blogspot.com .

S tatistical power depends on factors such as sample size, expected effect, participation, and variation in outcomes. Larger samples and stronger effects increase power, while low participation, unequal group sizes, and cluster randomization can reduce it.  The guide published by  t he Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)  provides  six ‘rules of thumb’ that affect sample size and statistical powe r. In brief ,  this guide   explains that sample size should be determined based on the expected effect, outcome variation, participation, and study design .  Consequently, cluster-based studies usually require a larger total number of participants to achieve the same level of statistical power. Link to the doc:  https://www.povertyactionlab.org/sites/default/files/research-resources/2018.03.21-Rules-of-Thumb-for-Sample-Size-and-Power.pdf Citation:  The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), 2018.   Six rules of thumb for deter...

If you  are  interested in gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) or your work involves integrating GESI into program s , this is a resource worth reading.  The   GESI Toolkit for Counter-Trafficking, developed by Winrock and USAID Asia CTIP (Counter-Trafficking in Persons)  project team , provides practical guidance on integrating GESI into counter-trafficking programming and reporting.  It offers practical approaches tailored to the specific context of CTIP, along with guidance on embedding gender equality and social inclusion throughout program design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. Link to the doc:  https://winrock.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Asia-CTIP-GESI-Toolkit.pdf Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitarian #publichealth    A collection of my Research and MEARL insights is available  at :   https://hnineilwinnotes....

Having worked on several projects focused on localization and localization strategies informed by research and M&E, I couldn't agree more with the points mentioned in this document. Localization is not just another activity or policy. It is about shifting power through shared decision-making, equitable partnerships, mutual accountability, and stronger local leadership. While local organizations are increasingly included in coordination structures, decision-making is still largely driven by international actors, raising concerns that their participation is often more symbolic than meaningful. Project-based funding and top-down capacity-building approaches can also limit local ownership, overlook local knowledge, and reinforce dependency. These realities show that localization is still a work in progress and raise important questions about power, partnerships, and the future of humanitarian and development aid. Link to the doc: https://alnap.hacdn.io/media/documents/ALNAP_Explain...

The lack of baseline data is a recurring challenge in M&E that I have encountered throughout my experience, especially when frameworks require a direct comparison between baseline and endline data to measure changes over time. In practice, there are situations where baseline data are not collected at the beginning of a project, and implementation moves forward based on immediate contextual needs and operational priorities, without fully considering the data requirements outlined in the M&E framework. To address this, I would like to share an old but still useful resource by Michael Bamberger that offers practical strategies for "reconstructing" baseline data. These include using recall methods and key informant interviews to capture early conditions, leveraging secondary sources, reviewing project-specific administrative records, and conducting group interviews to understand past socioeconomic characteristics and behaviors of the target population.  These techniques c...

Evaluation should be part of an organization's broader learning and accountability system, rather than an ad hoc reporting exercise or merely a requirement for donor compliance. Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitarian #publichealth 

The Scorecard measures progress in six areas of gender-responsive climate action (Economic Security, Unpaid Care Work, Gender-Based Violence, Health, Participation and Leadership, and Gender mainstreaming). It helps civil society, governments, and the UN monitor progress on gender commitments in climate policies and encourages learning from good practices. This fact sheet reviews 67 third‑iteration NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) submitted by 30 September 2025, together with case studies from Cambodia, Kenya, and Uruguay.  Therefore, i t enables comparisons across some countries and policy areas, identifies gaps, and supports accountability through an online repository of good practices. Its methodology can also be applied to other climate policy documents to provide a broader view of countries' efforts to advance both gender equality and climate action. The full dataset, including information on policy actions, can be accessed on an interactive dashboard :...

According to the latest food security update (June 2026), Myanmar remains the region's greatest concern in East Asia and the Pacific, with 12.4 million people facing acute food insecurity due to ongoing conflict, market disruptions, and high agricultural input costs. Continued monitoring should focus on food affordability, input costs, exchange rate pass-through, climate-related and logistics risks, and the implementation of policy measures. Global food and nutrition security also remains fragile. As noted in the report, production of major cereals is projected to decline from the record levels reached in 2025, highlighting continued risks to global food supplies. Link to the doc: https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/40ebbf38f5a6b68bfc11e5273e1405d4-0090012022/related/Food-and-Nutrition-Security-Update-edition-123-June-2026.pdf   https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research...

According to ESCAP's (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) 2026 Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report, the Asia-Pacific region is falling behind on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with only five years remaining to meet the 2030 deadline.  The report highlights a clear contradiction: while the region has achieved significant progress in poverty reduction, health improvements, and industrialization, these gains are being offset by environmental degradation and worsening inequality.  Although indicators for digital connectivity and international trade demonstrate strength, systemic challenges continue to undermine progress.  Furthermore, the slow development of national statistical capacities has created data gaps for critical indicators, hindering effective monitoring and implementation of the 2030 agenda. Link to the document: https://www.unescap.org/kp/2026/asia-and-pacific-sdg-progress-report-2026 https://repository.unescap.org/ser...

Gender issues are often viewed primarily as women's issues, and the responsibility for advancing gender equality is frequently placed on women. As a result, there is limited recognition that patriarchal norms can also negatively affect men and that gender equality benefits everyone. This guidance note was developed to address persistent gender inequalities within organizational settings by encouraging men to become active partners in building a more gender-equal workplace. It recognizes men not only as beneficiaries of gender equality but also as important agents of change. The note highlights the role men can play in challenging harmful gender norms and promoting positive workplace culture. It provides practical guidance through the "ABC of Change" framework: Allyship, Bystander Action, and Collective Pressure. It also introduces the 5-D Model for bystander intervention: Distraction, Delegation, Documentation, Delay, and Direct Intervention. These approaches support safe...

The Conflict Sensitivity and Monitoring & Evaluation Toolbox is the seventh toolkit in   The Conflict Sensitivity Guidance Note and Toolbox  series, produced under the Lebanon Response Plan’s conflict sensitivity mainstreaming work led by UNDP. This toolbox provides practical tips for conducting conflict-sensitive M&E within the unique context of Lebanon. That said, it is designed as a flexible framework rather than a rigid, context-specific document. Therefore, the toolkit can be applied to other countries facing similar conflict dynamics, such as Myanmar,   with key adaptations to align with the local political and social context. Link to the document:   https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2024-10/conflict_sensitivity_and_monitoring_evaluation_toolbox-en.pdf   https://www.undp.org/lebanon/publications/conflict-sensitivity-and-monitoring-and-evaluation-toolbox   Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research...

The Global Risks Report 2026, through the Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS), captures insights from over 1,300 experts worldwide. It explores risks in the current or immediate term (in 2026), the short to medium term (up to 2028), and the long term (up to 2036) by examining the implications of these risks and their interconnections through six in-depth analyses of selected themes. Read the full report through the link below.   https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2026 https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Global_Risks_Report_2026.pdf   ISBN: 978-2-940631-60-5   The report and an interactive data platform are   available at  https://www.weforum.org/publications/   global-risks-report-2026/ .   Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitarian #publichealth 

The  2025 European Commission checklist for assessing and improving the quality of a Logframe Matrix (LFM) is a concise technical self-assessment guide or reference that helps users test whether a logframe is logically structured   and aligned with  the EU’s practical  guidance,   as well as  identify gaps and   weaknesses.  By explaining the main logframe concepts   (impact, outcomes, outputs, activities, inputs, and assumptions), it shows how these elements should form a clear results chain from activities up to long-term impact.   Link to the document:  https://capacity4dev.europa.eu/library/checklist-assessing-quality-logframe-matrix_en?refgid=777   Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitarian #publichealth 

This document covers foundational concepts, clarifies common terminology, and addresses widespread myths surrounding gender by unpacking everyday ideas and presenting them in simpler terms.    By clarifying terminology that is often used interchangeably in real-world settings, such as equality and equity, the document helps readers develop a clearer understanding of these terms, as well as more complex ideas such as gender intentionality, gender transformation, and the relationships between gender, power, and patriarchy. The document also explains seven common myths about gender.    Through its accessible language, engaging presentation, and fun illustrations, this document is well worth reading for anyone interested in learning more about gender.   Link to the document: https://gendercollab.in/knowledge_centre/basics-of-gender-made-simple-an-exploration-of-concepts-terms-and-myths Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #ME...

This guidance note supports the gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) framework of the Asian Development Bank’s South Asia Department (SARD) and contributes to ADB’s poverty and social analysis work. It describes approaches for conducting GESI analysis at the country, sector, and project levels to identify relevant GESI concerns in South Asia. Drawing on ADB’s   Handbook on Poverty and Social Analysis , the note outlines practical steps for assessing intersectional vulnerabilities and applying socially inclusive and “do no harm” principles in the design of country strategies and projects. Link to the document:  https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/945851/gesi-analysis-adb-cps-south-asia-guidance-note.pdf     Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitarian #publichealth   

If you are looking for an update on the situation in Myanmar between mid-2025 and Q1 2026, I recommend checking this out. Link to the document: https://eusee.hivos.org/assets/2026/04/Final-Myanmar-2026-Snapshot.pdf   Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitarian #publichealth 

I came across an interesting document online, “Conceptual Framework for Developing Evaluation Capacities,” prepared as an input for a 2010 publication by the International Development Evaluation Association (IDEAS) and the World Bank’s Independent Evaluation Group (IEG). The author presents a framework for strengthening evaluation capacities to support accountability and learning within organizations and at the national level. The framework is built around three core principles of high-quality evaluation: independence, credibility, and utility. To strengthen these qualities, the author suggests a multi-level approach that looks at the individual level (knowledge and ethics), the institutional level (systems and structural safeguards), and the enabling environment (a culture of learning and supportive policies). In short, I find this framework useful. It is conceptually strong but also grounded in real-world practice. I can easily relate it to my own work in promoting evaluatio...

Understanding research philosophy is essential for researchers and M&E professionals because it guides research design, clarifies assumptions about knowledge, and improves data interpretation. It also helps them choose methods that best address their research questions and allows flexibility to combine different approaches when needed. In addition, i t strengthens credibility and rigor, ensures findings are actionable and useful for stakeholders, and enables the identification of hidden mechanisms behind social issues, such as economic or structural barriers.  With this in mind, I  have   briefly  shared the four main research philosophies  in the image below. Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitarian #publichealth 

This paper clearly explains the concepts of attribution and contribution and outlines methods for assessing them.   Attribution   is commonly understood as identifying changes that were directly caused by a specific program or organization.   Contribution , in contrast, is more loosely defined and refers to situations where an intervention is one of several factors that helped bring about a change. As outcomes become more distant from immediate outputs and harder to measure, assessing contribution becomes increasingly difficult. This is particularly evident in complex programs such as governance,    climate change,  or  social change, where multiple actors are involved and interventions may span many years or even decades. Organizations may be able to demonstrate their contribution to short-term changes that are closely linked to their activities. However,   determining  their role in longer-term change is often much more challenging. Li...

The OED Capacity Development Evaluation Framework (2019) published by FAO provides a practical approach to evaluating capacity development in organizations. It examines individual skills, organizational performance, and broader system-level factors, with a strong focus on sustainability, interconnections, and participatory approaches. In addition, it brings together evaluation matrices, indicators, and practical tools across these three levels.  By combining OECD concepts with FAO's capacity development strategy, it offers robust multi-level analysis.  Overall, it is a useful resource worth exploring for those involved in capacity development assessments. Link to the document: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/ef39e29b-c742-479b-ae16-949c1d484c53/content Citation: FAO. 2019. OED Capacity Development Evaluation Framework . Rome. Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitaria...