Empowerment Framework

The intention of this Framework is not to provide the user with a ready-made tool or a ‘scorecard’, but rather with a guide to ‘what to look for’ when undertaking sector-based needs assessments to inform an MDG-based planning exercise. More specifically, this Framework is introduced to complement the existing MDG-based planning methodology in three respects:
 

1. To help identify the ‘missing governance links’ in the policy design underlying the MDG-based planning exercise, and to help policymakers account for these ‘missing links’ in the assessment of MDG needs;
2. To highlight the need for and suggest ‘empowerment checks’ on voice and accountability channels which need to be in place to redress unequal power relations and sustain pro-poor development outcomes;
3. To assist country-led development of pro-poor and gender sensitive indicators by policy-makers and beneficiaries about aspects of policy which are most crucial to monitor pro-poor and gender sensitive service delivery.

Quantitative, qualitative and participatory data may be used

This Framework proposes a method for diagnosing two sets of ‘missing links’ in the MDG policy design:

• The ‘missing links’ between MDG policy inputs (i.e. the physical, financial, human and technical inputs costed by the MDG needs assessment tools), and the set of policy outcomes assumed to flow from these inputs, i.e. the equitable achievement of MDG targets and indicators.
• An ‘Empowerment Check’: The missing links between MDG outcomes, their assumed sustainability, and their assumed pro-poor orientation.

The Framework builds upon the Human Rights Based Approach to Development as well as on
the UNDG Capacity Assessment Methodology.

The framework focuses in particular on women, the poor and other marginalised groups.

Are there reservations for teachers from lower castes and ethnic minority groups?
Are local School Management Committees representative of the caste / ethnic profile of the communities they serve?

The framework is very actionable.

the framework aims to complement the existing United Nations Millennium Development Goals' costing methodology by looking further into teh governance causes of why there may be missing outputs and outcomes, even though funding may be in place.