World Pulse uses a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework that examines how digital empowerment leads to members taking action for personal and social change. We are committed to a process that is accountable, accurate, ethical, and innovative. Our MEL research is led by Jasmine R. Linabary, Ph.D., an expert in inclusive participation and safety in digital and physical spaces.

Through consent-based reporting, we evaluate whether members report having accessed increased voice, connection, and resources through their participation with World Pulse, and whether that then led to action (leadership, collective action, decision-making) and ultimately social change.

We analyze quantitative and qualitative data collected from our platform, an annual impact survey, program surveys, and ongoing community feedback via multiple channels. Survey respondents tend to be among the more active and engaged members of the World Pulse community. To understand World Pulse’s contribution more fully, we interpret these self-reported outcomes alongside platform activity: how members connect, share their voices, access resources, and engage with one another over time. Our historical analysis suggests that highly engaged members may report outcomes at least 20% higher than less-engaged members, with reported impact diminishing as activity and participation decrease.

The percentages presented in our reports therefore reflect the experiences of surveyed members and are most indicative of those actively participating in the community. These measures help us understand our contribution without claiming sole credit, recognizing that members’ outcomes emerge within a much wider ecosystem of relationships, experiences, organizations, and circumstances supporting their work.

Alongside our global community and with support from award-winning international researcher and consultant Dr. Jasmine Linabary, Ph.D., we are co-developing a set of ethical values to guide evaluation and research with our community. These guidelines will help ensure research reflects the interests and values of our community, providing a model for other other organizations in the women’s development and technology sectors. We are currently in the final stages of community feedback on these guidelines. Check back in early 2021 to learn more.