Assumptions are often taken for granted so it is helpful to express how you think change might happen, discuss the assumptions and gain agreement across your NHRI about what they are and how they may impact on the success of the activity. Working through your assumptions in a group is a good way to sense-check your MEAL Framework. Assumptions can be made across the different levels of your MEAL Framework for outcomes, outputs and activities. Like dependencies, assumptions are not a core part of the MEAL Framework but can be helpful to discuss and to highlight the interlinkages between the different levels. As before, a few, well-thought through assumptions are more valuable than a long list. Given that assumptions are fairly subjective, the person/people developing the MEAL framework or plan may not be the best people to identify the assumptions. If possible, find a fresh set of eyes to help you with this. Table 9: Examples of assumptions14 Activity/Output/Outcome Qualitative Long-term outcome: Family violence is reduced. Other factors impacting family violence support change, such as an improvement in socioeconomic conditions and an increase in public disapproval of family violence. Short-term outcome: Policy and lawmakers are better informed about family violence. • Policy and lawmakers are willing to engage with the NHRI on the report and its recommendations. Output: Report of the National Inquiry into Family Violence in Samoa is published and disseminated. • The media picks up the report. Activity: Drafting a report of the National Inquiry into Family Violence in Samoa Our NHRI has the staff capacity, capability, and time to draft the report. • Policy and lawmakers are prepared and able to improve their knowledge, amongst other competing priorities. • Our NHRI has good relationships with policy and lawmakers, allowing for high-quality engagement. Dependencies and assumptions typically sit on the side of the main framework (see Figure 8). Figure 8: Dependencies and assumptions Data source Outcomes Outputs Activities ASSUMPTIONS Target(s) DEPENDENCIES Indicator(s) REFLECT AND DISCUSS: GROUP EXERCISE What are some of the key assumptions underlying your NHRI’s activities, outputs and outcomes? 51