owen consulting’s statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion

OCI’s  approach to research, analysis, evaluation and consultation is grounded in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI).

Renouncing the historical and structural factors that have necessitated the interventions we evaluate, OCI names and answers questions about how these factors influence programming and holds ourselves accountable to how our identities and bias may affect our work. Our methodologies consider how geographic, economic, and cultural contexts influence how programs impact populations differently, identify and acknowledge the structural factors that have led to this inequity, and include recommendations to address them. 

Acknowledging that historically, top-down approaches to evaluation have often been used to perpetuate inequality, especially among communities that have historically been marginalized, OCI reframes evaluation as an opportunity to leverage the power of learning from and with partners to advance a more just society.  

Recognizing the demands placed on stakeholders and partners, we minimize the burden placed on them in evaluations. We use a ‘light-touch’ approach, ensuring that we collect only the most relevant information. We share and validate our findings with stakeholders in a transparent and clear way. And as standard practice, we establish ways of working with stakeholders that ground the relationship in trust and encourage open and ongoing feedback.

Affirming that those closest to the issues are best placed to solve the problems facing their communities, we find innovative and creative ways to involve them in our methodologies and we aspire to have a team that reflects the communities we serve. 

Recognizing that our stakeholders are focused on solving the world's most pressing problems, we aim to ensure our learnings and recommendations are useful and actionable, and that stakeholders can benefit from them quickly. 

Recognizing that we can best support our clients when we reflect our values internally,  we promote an organizational culture that celebrates our unique differences, valuable skills, and experiences.