Monitoring and evaluation play an important role in ensuring that energy programmes deliver benefits that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of different groups. While energy efficiency interventions are often viewed as technical or financial initiatives, their design and implementation can affect women and men differently in terms of access to financing, participation in decision-making, employment opportunities, and the distribution of project benefits. Without systematic monitoring, these differences may go unnoticed, resulting in programmes that unintentionally reinforce existing inequalities.
A gender-responsive M&E framework helps ensure that gender considerations remain integrated throughout the programme cycle rather than being treated as a one-time requirement during project design. It provides a structured approach to monitor progress, assess whether intended gender outcomes are being achieved, and identify where implementation may have fallen short. This enables programme managers and implementing partners to take timely corrective actions, refine programme activities, and strengthen the effectiveness of gender mainstreaming. Most importantly, gender-responsive M&E is a tool for continuous learning and improvement. It helps programmes understand not only whether gender equality objectives have been achieved, but also why certain approaches have been successful and where further action is needed.
This report establishes a comprehensive M&E framework for tracking gender equality outcomes in energy efficiency financing. The document serves as self-assessment tool, and to be adapted by each institution based on their institutional capacity. The framework is grounded in a Theory of Change that explains how gender-responsive policies, systems, and practices can lead to more equitable and sustainable outcomes. The complete M&E framework document contains 9 dimensions with indicator matrices, scoring mechanisms, and implementation guidance.