Formative Evaluation of Normative Dialogue at Sida, 2015–2022 (1a)

The overall goal of the Formative Evaluation of Normative Dialogue at Sida (2015–2022) is “to promote learning about Sida’s work with normative dialogue, (…) identify key factors behind successful normative dialogue, (…) and help Sida increase the understanding of what works, what does not work, and why, as well as identifying both key bottlenecks and ways to improve”. Drawing on four case studies as well as institutional interviews and focus group discussions, the evaluation recorded stories of change where Sida’s dialogue efforts contributed to concrete shifts in people’s attitudes, knowledge, or skills – at an individual level – and processes, policies, partnerships, or institutions at a more collective or systemic level. Sida uses normative dialogue to push boundaries of how normative agendas for development priorities are framed in line with universal values and as reflected in Swedish priorities and strategies. Perseverance over time, together with having likeminded partners, was considered a key factor for success. The evaluation found that Sida sometimes lacks clear internal direction or the capacity to engage directly in normative dialogue and that normative dialogue must be part of how Sida engages adaptively and strategically in a given context. The evaluation recommends that Sida’s leadership clarify its mandate and role when engaging in normative dialogue on key Swedish priorities, and this should be systematically communicated to staff. Moreover, leadership should regularly discuss Sida’s role in relation to normative priorities with the MFA and put in place mechanisms to link normative dialogue more clearly with enabling development results at all levels of operation.