A Theory of Change is an ongoing process of reflection to explore change and how it happens — and what that means for the part we play in a particular context, sector and/or group of people.

In GIRLS Inspire’s work, to end the harmful cycle of child, early and forced marriage (CEFM) through the use of open and distance learning (ODL), our Theory of Change acts as the central tool which maps out and communicates the logical sequence of our work. It starts with the problem, CEFM, and it envisages the pathway towards achieving our vision — a society wherein women and girls are economically empowered for sustainable livelihoods.

Source: James, 2011 as cited in Valters, 2015, Theories of Change, Time for a radical approach to learning in development, Overseas Development Institute