Project: For a More Vigilant Civil Society in Morocco
Evaluation Date: May 2016
Report: [report link]
Lesson Learned:

The capability of the CSOs to dialogue and to make themselves heard by political and legislative decision-makers remained limited, in particular at parliament level. Advocacy and lobbying activities among members of parliament supported by audio-visual tools, infographic sheets and properly written and formatted press releases could ensure better visibility and awareness.

Theme: Rule of law
Project: Strengthening the capacities of Magistrates
Evaluation Date: July 2011
Report: [report link]
Lesson Learned:

At institutional, operational and political levels, the project has had little impact. To some extent, this was because there no legal proposal was made to adapt and enforce the Ethical and Deontological Code. The project also failed to create a pool of experts on economic and financial crimes. The training does not appear to have made a positive difference in encouraging inclusion of efficiency indicators in the fight against economic and financial crimes or improving the overall capacities of judges.

Theme: Rule of law
Project: Engaging civil society and youth in public policy dialogue in North Africa
Evaluation Date: September 2015
Report: [report link]
Lesson Learned:

The project’s third outcome, the establishment of a regional advocacy network, was not achieved. The young participants were more engaged with designing and implementing specific projects at local level. This left them with little time or resources to engage in participatory policy development and broader advocacy. This reveals that some aspects of the training’s design – notably on advocacy campaigning and on cross-border networking – were not addressed in sufficient detail.

Theme: Youth engagement
Project: Civil Society Support Initiative on Political Marginalization in the Niger Delta in Nigeria
Evaluation Date: December 2012
Report: [report link]
Lesson Learned:

The government advocacy component of the project was a useful follow-up to the training provided. However, in many cases, the meetings seemed provide only an initial opening for voicing concerns and then government representatives providing information on current activities. This is not engagement. There were exceptions, where more was accomplished, but it is apparent that what was critical was that the meetings actually took place. They represented the initial step, the opening, to what was expected to be a long-term dialogue. For this expectation to be realized, far more support and advice will be required, over a period of years, rather than months.

Theme: Community activism
Project: Creation of Women's Parliament in Azerbaijan
Evaluation Date: July 2012
Report: [report link]
Lesson Learned:

The flagship initiative of the Women’s Parliament project was a report on discrimination against women. However this report did not have much impact since there was no lobbying/advocacy strategy. It would also have been more effective with a proactive approach towards building alliances with other similar projects in Azerbaijan. Efforts should be increased to convince concerned NGOs for submitting only one synthesized Shadow Report to CEDAW. Speaking in a common voice would increase leverage both towards CEDAW and the government.

Theme: Community activism
Project: Cultivating Democratic Leaders from Marginalized Groups in Thailand
Evaluation Date: December 2010
Report: [report link]
Lesson Learned:

When project beneficiaries are marginalized not only by geography and ethnic origin but by mainstream politics and public attitudes, advocacy opens up a political space in which the aspirations and expectations of young people and their communities are more likely to be met. Survey results might have been of interest to the media generally – including international media – and media coverage might have contributed to putting some serious social issues on the political agenda

Theme: Youth engagement