Document Type

Brief

Publication Date

2011

Abstract

The Population Council’s extensive work on adolescent safe spaces and livelihoods programs has demonstrated the pathways of empowering adolescent girls and the substantial benefits for society. Monitoring and evaluation data from these initiatives have produced empirical evidence about threats to girls’ health and well-being that relate to both longstanding and emergent social forces. In developing countries, where the risk of adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes is high and young girls are at high risk, it is important to address issues related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and gender norms that relate to these risks. The Council’s work with adolescents reinforces the importance of multiple points of entry to change community norms regarding SGBV. While it is essential to work with girls and women to empower them and build their assets, it is not sufficient if the community is not also engaged. This brief describes the Council’s programmatic research on adolescent girls’ life skills and livelihoods initiatives that may also inform a more holistic approach to addressing SGBV.

DOI

10.31899/pgy12.1049

Language

English

Comments

Also available in Spanish.

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