When users are engaged in the design and collection of statistics, data are more able to be transformed into tools for policy change, advocacy and shaping public discourses. Engaging with different actors can bring new insights into how to collect data to fill data gaps, use new technology for more efficiency, and how to interpret data so that it can be used to shape effective policies.
Ensuring data use through a participatory approach
A participatory and inclusive data value chain which engages data users and supports the use of data can help to drive policy change. Engaging with users ensures that data are relevant, accurate, and ethically collected. By giving individuals and communities a say in their own futures, NSOs create an inclusive culture of statistics, building trust between the governments and their citizens, leading to more equitable, transparent and effective policies.
PARIS21 helps NSOs to find opportunities to increase the understanding and use of official statistics such as through engaging new actors or using new technology. Encouraging the participation of state and non-state actors, data users, and experts can ensure that NSOs play a role in developing sustainable policies and enhancing data governance.
Importantly, participatory processes serve to empower state institutions directly. When NSOs and governmental bodies engage in dialogue with emergent data actors they can derive greater insights from data.
Participation for Transformation of Gender Data: Developing a Framework for Transformative Production, Use and Reuse of Gender Data
This report explores the linkages between increased participation and gender data impact and provides examples of successful partnerships. The report proposes a participation framework to guide and empower governments, civil society actors and development partners in building gender data partnerships that strengthen gender data capacity.
Read the full report here.
From Gaps to Gains: A new e-learning course to support governments on the Voluntary National Review.
The Voluntary National Review process is a valuable opportunity to connect data and policy making, strengthening the role of NSOs can ensure that policy making needs are taken into account in statistical planning, that the VNR is grounded in strong data and evidence, and that data gaps are addressed. PARIS21 and DG INTPA's new training can support planning ministries to open the way to more involvement of NSOs in VNR processes.
Find the e-learning course here.
