“This workshop is far more than a routine event on our calendars; it represents a unique confluence of expertise, vision and shared purpose,” she said.
“Our convergence is an expression of solidarity and determination, as we seek not merely to increase our technical skills but to reaffirm our common ambition: the pursuit of transformational impact rooted in rigor, innovation, and inclusivity.”
The Secretary General emphasised that Results-Based Management (RBM) must guide the Forum’s interventions and reporting processes.
“RBM is a management strategy by which all actors, contributing directly or indirectly to achieving a set of results, ensure that their processes, products and services contribute to the achievement of desired results,” she said.
“The actors in turn use information and evidence on actual results to inform decision-making on programme design, resourcing and delivery, as well as for accountability and reporting.”
Ms. Sekgoma highlighted that Sweden’s continued support, made possible by Swedish taxpayers, requires rigorous reporting and demonstrable evidence of impact.
“We owe it to our partners and the people of our region to ensure that every story, every indicator, and every piece of evidence reflects progress, accountability, and meaningful change,” she stressed.
She encouraged participants to move beyond conventional numeric indicators and output-tracking, embracing stories of transformation that capture the human impact of SRHR interventions.
“The development and documentation of ‘stories of significant change’ is not simply a reporting obligation. Rather, it is an essential strategic imperative,” she said.
“These narratives, rooted in the real-life experiences of individuals and communities, highlight the substance and significance of our programs. They make visible the progress that often goes unseen.”
Ms. Sekgoma noted that combining qualitative stories with quantitative results will inspire donors and partners while bolstering the credibility and advocacy work of parliaments across the region.
As participants prepared for sessions covering advanced M&E methodologies, case study development, and data harmonisation, the Secretary General called for active engagement.
“Let us build and refine our capacities to document, analyse, and communicate outcome-level results with clarity and rigour. By adopting a harmonised and systematic approach to monitoring and evaluation, we will ensure that our work aligns with the strategic priorities of our partners, lays the groundwork for annual reporting, and prepares us adequately for forthcoming external evaluations.”
She reminded participants that the true measure of success lies not only in outputs achieved but also in stories of hope, empowerment, resilience, and transformation across SADC communities.
“The journey towards universal SRHR and democratic accountability requires each of us to be diligent stewards of change, resilient champions of equity, and passionate narrators of progress,” she said.
The two-day workshop brings together 22 research directors and senior researchers from 11 SADC countries, aiming to consolidate case studies, harmonise reporting templates, and equip participants to contribute effectively to SADC PF’s annual reports and the forthcoming external evaluation of the SRHR HIV and AIDS Governance Programme.
Ends.
