Diakonia Democratic Local Governance phase II

This Conclusion on Performance (CoP) responds to the issues identified in the 2023 CoP, which pointed out the challenges in assessing the probability of meeting the project objectives at that time. This was due to Sida's pending receipt of a revised narrative report that would clearly outline progress in relation to the established targets within the results framework, along with a traffic light assessment reflecting the implementation status of each outcome area. These elements have now been integrated into this CoP. The following preliminary findings, presented by Diakonia, were gathered prior to the annual report submissions. These findings were obtained during strategic meetings with partners and field visits conducted in 2024. Over the reporting period, there has been a significant enhancement in citizen engagement within policy dialogue platforms, alongside an increase in instances where citizens have held duty bearers accountable through the use of evidence-based information. The projects training sessions have led to a notable rise in the number of youth and women acquiring leadership skills and knowledge. Additionally, there has been an increase in both the number of journalists trained and the volume of gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) reporting stories produced. Women and youth in the targeted marginalized areas of the project have increasingly adopted digital technologies and social media to further their policy advocacy efforts. Despite the political and economic challenges that pose risks to project implementation, there is strong evidence suggesting that the projects objectives and targets will be achieved, as most performance indicators are showing positive results. Below are specific performance indicators: Output 1.1 Number of citizens reached by the project and made aware of their rights. The total number of citizens engaged by the project and informed about their rights stands at 34,070, surpassing the initial target of 24,000. This figure includes 23,849 women and 10,221 men. The empowerment of citizens has led to significant actions, such as youth advocating for and being included in the Master Plan Development committees in Gwanda, demonstrating their awareness and willingness to participate in community development initiatives. This indicator is currently ahead of schedule and marked as green. Output 1: 2 Number of citizens utilizing citizens platforms to engage on local governance issues. The number of citizens actively using platforms to discuss local governance issues has significantly exceeded expectations. The project aimed to engage 7,000 citizens, yet the actual participation reached 116,231, comprising 75,692 women and 40,539 men. Initiatives such as "Meet Your Leaders" platforms, youth and women's forums, and radio interactions have fostered safe environments for dialogue, allowing rights holders to engage with duty bearers while maintaining their anonymity. This indicator is marked green. Output 1:3. Number of women and youth gaining knowledge and skills on leadership. The project has successfully educated 841 citizens in leadership skills, surpassing the target of 600. This includes 201 women over the age of 35, 541 young women, and 99 young men. Various leadership training programs, including youth constitutional leadership schools, have been implemented to enhance the leadership capabilities of young individuals, empowering them to influence their communities positively. This indicator is green and ahead of schedule. Output 2.1. No. of officials trained for better management and provision of services. A total of 1,030 officials have been trained to improve service management and delivery, exceeding the project target of 750. This includes 723 men and 307 women. The progress of this indicator is on track, and it is categorized as green. Output 2.3. Number of women and youth policies and programmes supported by local authorities. The number of initiatives and policies aimed at supporting women and youth that have received endorsement from local authorities is significant. The project's goal was set at 60, yet the achievements have exceeded this benchmark, now totaling 76. For instance, in Zvishavane and Shurugwi, gender advocates have successfully campaigned for the allocation of land for market vending, prompting councils to designate specific locations for the establishment of women's markets. Additionally, dedicated spaces for youth have been created in Gwanda. The advancement towards this objective is encouraging. The progress of this indicator is on track, and it is categorized as green. Output 2.3. Number of key information documents availed to media and public in a timely manner through the budget and policy cycle.The number of critical information documents provided to the media and the public in a timely fashion during the budget and policy cycle is significant. The project set a goal of producing 25 documents, with 22 already finalized. Gender Links Zimbabwe conducted trainings of journalist on Gender Responsive Budgeting reporting and the trained in turn produced and published Gender Responsive Budgeting stories The target for this output is on track. Green. Output 3.1. Use of digital technologies for community engagement and advocacy. The utilization of digital technologies for community engagement and advocacy is encouraging. The target for this output is 9, with current engagement achieved through 8 platforms. Partners are leveraging various channels, including Facebook, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, digital flyers, skits, radio, and SMS blasts. Green. Output 3.2 Number of research reports/position papers on local governance/service delivery produced and shared. The number of research reports and position papers concerning local governance and service delivery that have been produced and disseminated have passed the target. The cumulative target for the project is 10, with 13 reports completed. Centre for Youth Development Trust (CYDT) has generated 10 monthly service delivery status reports, which have been shared with rights holders, along with 3 position papers addressing the state of toilets for Jahunda residents, the institutionalization of youth participation in Beitbridge, and the enhancement of water supply systems in Gwanda and Beitbridge. The target for this output is on track. Green. Output 3.3. Number of joint advocacy statements/policy briefs issued with other consortium members. The cumulative target for the project is 6, and to date, 6 joint advocacy statements and policy briefs have been issued, with 5 achievements recorded. The target for this output is on track. Green. Output 3.4. Number of public interest issues presented to duty bearers and were resolved or elevated to a higher level. The total number of public interest issues brought forth to duty bearers that have been resolved or escalated to a higher authority stands at 14, with a cumulative project target of 15. Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) has successfully elevated 10 issues discussed during town hall meetings to other platforms, including the review of the youth policy, the refurbishment of the Esigodini bus terminus, and the stringent water rationing measures, among others. Consequently, the target for this output is currently on track. Green.

The development objective of the project: Enhanced democratic governance contributing to improved living conditions for citizens in Zimbabwe. Overall Programme Objective: Rights holders, particularly women, youth and other vulnerable and marginalized groups realize and enjoy their rights to quality and gender responsive social services from transparent and accountable local authorities. Programme Outcomes: 1) By December 2025, there is increased meaningful participation of rights holders (women, and youth) in selected rural and urban areas. 2) By December 2025, there is enhanced responsiveness, transparency and accountability of local government systems and structures in selected rural and urban local authorities. 3) By December 2025, Civil Society organisations in the programme have strengthened institutional and technical capacity and have developed collaborative platforms for learning and sharing best practices. Theory of Change: Outcome 1: We believe that if women and youth are not just represented in local government structures, but are meaningfully contributing, and are financially included through economic empowerment, then they will be able to positively influence local governance and push for quality service delivery. Outcome 2: if local authorities have trained leaders and staff that have adequately designed and followed mandates and competencies, then accountability and transparency is attainable. Armed with sufficient political will and sufficient capacity, the local authorities leadership and staff should be able to steer the positive transformation of the local government systems and processes in a manner that is inclusive of women and youth. Outcome 3: if Diakonia works with partners to strengthen their coherence, networking and programme coordination in the context of a one programme approach (in particular with regard to integrating women and youth empowerment taking advantage of digital technology), then they will be better able to contribute to transparent and accountable local authorities that serve the needs of youth and women, driving the processes of positive change and inclusivity.