MITRA Samaj Conducts Successful Training for Data Collection in the Post-Endline Study of the ‘Change’ Project

Kathmandu, Nepal – MITRA Samaj has successfully conducted a training program for data collection as part of the Post-Endline Study for the Change Starts at Home project, commissioned by Equal Access International (EAI). The project aims to prevent Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Nepal by testing innovative methods such as organized diffusion and social networks to promote positive social norm changes in communities.

The training, which took place in December 2023, brought together a dedicated team of research assistants to gather quantitative data from approximately 2,400 individuals across Hupsekot and Binayi Tribeni rural municipalities in Nawalpur district. MITRA Samaj’s involvement spans multiple stages of the project, including the midline, endline, and now, the post-endline data collection phase.

The training program provided the research assistants with an in-depth understanding of the project’s background, data collection protocols, and ethical guidelines for conducting interviews. Key components of the training included using the CommCare app, which was central to data entry and monitoring, along with practical sessions on ensuring data accuracy and maintaining confidentiality for sensitive topics related to IPV.

According to Mr. Latshering Glan Tamang, Research Manager at MITRA Samaj, “The training was an essential step in ensuring that all enumerators were well-prepared to handle the complexities of collecting data on sensitive topics like IPV. We emphasized gender sensitivity and cultural competence, ensuring that both male and female enumerators were equipped to interview respondents from various backgrounds, in line with the study’s objectives.”

MITRA Samaj focused on recruiting qualified survey enumerators, with special attention to gender equality and linguistic competence, ensuring that team members were fluent in Bhojpuri and Nepali, which are commonly spoken in the study areas. A mix of male and female enumerators was selected to foster a comfortable environment for both male and female respondents.

In addition to training, the field team conducted a pilot survey in Chhampi, Lalitpur, to test the CommCare application and resolve any ambiguities in the survey tools. This allowed MITRA Samaj to identify any potential issues in question flow, language, and cultural relevance, ensuring that the final survey would be as effective as possible.

The data collection process commenced in December 2023, with the field team visiting over 1,900 households across both rural municipalities, conducting interviews that adhered to the highest ethical standards. Respondents were carefully selected to reflect a diverse range of individuals, with gender-sensitive protocols in place to ensure that interviews were conducted separately for couples, with privacy maintained throughout the process.

The training and fieldwork are part of a larger multi-year effort by MITRA Samaj and Equal Access International to evaluate the impact of the Change Starts at Home project in Nawalpur district, and to generate new evidence for the prevention of IPV. By working with local communities and government stakeholders, the project aims to address power imbalances in relationships and change the social norms that perpetuate violence.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in the efforts to end intimate partner violence in Nepal, and MITRA Samaj is proud to continue its support for EAI in the ongoing evaluation of this impactful intervention.