Your high-level indicators Indicators help your NHRI measure whether it is progressing towards – and achieving – its outcomes over time. An indicator is a specific measure used to track the change or progress your work is making towards an outcome. Each outcome should have at least one indicator. Indicators can be: • Q  uantitative – expressed in numbers, such as percentages, ratios, totals, or rates of change. • Q  ualitative – expressed in words, such as stories, case studies, quotations, or descriptive statements. A strong outcomes framework uses both quantitative and qualitative indicators. They work together. Quantitative indicators provide measurable evidence of progress. Qualitative indicators explain what the data means, add context, and help tell the story behind the change. At this stage of planning, indicators should remain high-level. More detailed indicators, measures, data sources, and reporting processes will be developed later in Stage 3 when you build the full strategy. Working with your Focus Group Focus Group Session 3 is aimed at developing your long-term outcomes and indicators. Exercise 3 – Develop your long-term outcomes and indicators (p69) 2.5 Develop high-level actions A High-level Action is a broad, strategic step that outlines what needs to be done to move toward an outcome, without detailing the specific operational tasks. The final element in your Strategic Framework is your actions. What will you do to achieve your outcomes and make a lasting and positive impact on your priorities? It is tempting to have many actions – to try to do everything. However, as with the key message throughout this Toolkit, having a few, sharp, effective and doable actions will produce the best result. Some considerations when deciding your actions are: • Relevance – does the action link to the strategic priorities and long-term outcomes? • Impact – will the action make the changes necessary? • Feasibility – does the NHRI have the mandate and resources to do this? • Influence – does the NHRI have the authority and power to make this happen? Gender Strategy Toolkit 2026 40