Endline evaluation of NIRMANSHREE project

Habitat For Humanity India (HFH India) is a non-profit organization building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable housing and sanitation facilities. HFH India’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent living place. HFH India advocates that the construction industry in India has historically been male-dominated while being a major economic driver. To address this gender disparity and empower women in the construction sector, Habitat for Humanity India implemented the NIRMANSHREE project, funded by the European Union (EU). The project aimed to equip 3,000 women with technical and entrepreneurial skills, fostering economic advancement and improving housing conditions for 200,000 families in Odisha and Maharashtra.

With NIRMANSHREE nearing its end, HFH India onboarded Samavit to conduct an independent end-line evaluation of the project. The major objectives of the end-line evaluation were:

• To assess the effectiveness of the project’s interventions in enhancing women’s economic and social rights.
• To evaluate the project’s impact on women’s empowerment, skill development, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
• To identify key lessons learned and best practices for future interventions in women’s empowerment and sustainable housing.

To achieve these objectives, Samavit employed a comprehensive mixed-methods evaluation approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. An evaluation framework informed by OECD-DAC criteria and principles was designed considering NIRMANSHREE’s theory of change and key performance indicators. The evaluation was done on six criteria – relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, impact, and sustainability. Quantitative data collection was administered through computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI) using a statistically representative sample of project beneficiaries. Samavit collected qualitative data using in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with key stakeholders, including social enterprises, government officials, and community leaders. To benchmark the project’s results against national SDG targets, Samavit also undertook rapid desk-based research.

Samavit used the research findings to prepare an endline evaluation report outlining the project’s achievements, challenges, and recommendations; and an infographic visually representing the project’s impact and outcomes. Samavit’s team also made a presentation summarizing key findings and insights to the HFH Asia Pacific and HFH India teams.