Table 1.

Evaluation framework of the research project based on Hyder et al. [37].

Research Phases Levels	Planning	Operationalization	Knowledge exchange
Inputs	Meetings with collaborators MOUs Partnership agreement Networking to build interest and support	Mentor-mentee researchers Training materials Research infrastructure including budget to pay salaries of midwife researchers and provide supplies to SCOSAF (computers, software, transportation fees, etc.)	Funding for SCOSAF to disseminate results with membership Funding from IPAS to facilitate exchange of policy brief and results to decision-makers Trained professionals Mentor-mentee researchers
Process	Research and budget planning Selection of DRC research team with gender equity lens Teaching/training regarding planning and coordination of research projects	In person and virtual teaching/training for research coordination, data collection tools, data collection, data analysis In person and virtual mentorship Applied research experience, research coordination, collection, and analysis	Co-authorship on reports for funders, policy brief, and manuscripts Networking with funders and health system actors about the results and presenting policy brief to stakeholders Website- social media highlighting research
Outputs	Four midwives (2 women, 2 men) trained and mentored in research proposal and REB development and writing SCOSAF executive mentored and knowledge acquisition in research management protocols and guidelines Two members of IPAS mentored on supporting SCOSAF on research implementation Funds received for research operations and salaries for midwife researchers	Four midwives (3 women) and 9 other care providers (5 women) trained, mentored and experience with development of data collection tools, testing tools, data collection and analysis. Data management IPAS-DRC experience with supporting SCOSAF in data collection and analysis SCOSAF staff mentored and knowledge acquisition on fiscal management of research and reporting	Two midwives (1 woman) co-authoring 3 publications 2 IPAS-DRC team co-authoring 3 publications Research and Evaluation team IPAS-DRC and SCOSAF co-writing policy brief Four midwives (3 women), SCOSAF executive and IPAS-DRC co development of stakeholder exchanges and knowledge sharing to leverage research results in the health system SCOSAF staff co-producing final reports to IPAS-DRC and funders
Outcomes	Midwives and CSO’s capacity to secure research collaborations, including funding acquisition and research planning Ability of the CSOs to incorporate gender equity approaches to partnerships and research	Two evidenced-based locally driven research studies regarding CAC, person-centred care and midwifery	Career development of two midwives (1 woman) in their post-graduate studies Enhanced capacity of SCOSAF and IPAS-DRC to manage research projects and apply their research evidence to influence policy and practice with midwives and decision-makers regarding CAC in DRC