Gender Equality Policy Marker

This evaluation, commissioned by Sida’s Evaluation Unit at the Department of Operational Support in collaboration with the Department for Europe and Latin America, examines Sida’s democratisation support in Guatemala, Liberia, Moldova, Myanmar, and Tanzania (2014–2023) to generate learning and guide adaptation amid rising autocratisation. It reviews strategic and operational approaches. Sida’s multifaceted model – combining flexible funding, dialogue, rela-tionshipbuilding, and strategic risktaking – has been underpinned by longterm, trustbased partnerships and local ownership. Country portfolios achieved notable results, particularly where support was sustained, locally anchored, and responsive to shifting political dynamics. However, entrenched power structures, shrinking civic space, and weak state ownership sometimes limited transformational results; gains were often fragile, especially under democratic backsliding. Recommendations include strengthening internal learning systems and investing in democratisation expertise to sustain results in a rapidly shifting global land scape.

Purpose and use

The evaluation covers Sida’s core support to the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) from 2022-2025. Primary users are Sida, the WILPF International Board and International Secretariat. Other users are the Embassy of Sweden in Amman and other Swedish Embassies; WILPF members, partners and networks; academics, policymakers, and other funders.

Conclusion

Sida’s support was relevant at the start of the evaluation and WILPF’s feminist approach to peace has remained relevant over time despite challenges created by a deteriorating context. The support complements Sida’s support to the Women, Peace and Security sector and the support of others funding WILPF projects and programmes. The deteriorating context makes progress towards results difficult, but some progress is noted. WILPF’s decision-making processes are slowed by the Constitution and its commitment to feminist principles, which the International Secretariat is working with the International Board to address. Despite diminishing funding, the potential for sustainability of results exists.

Recommendation

The primary recommendation is that Sida should continue to support WILPF.