Funder: The World Bank
Project period: 09/01/2010 - 05/31/2013
Grant Type: Research
Abstract Text:
There is dire need for the development of empirically-informed programming aimed at preventing and reducing gender-based violence as well as increasing present knowledge regarding key elements for economic empowerment, particularly in areas of impacted by extreme poverty and armed conflict. The goal of this study is evaluate the impact of a socio-economic program and discussion group on the incidence of physical and sexual violence and women’s individual agency, thereby offering a significant contribution to the field of gender-based violence programming. Such knowledge is critical to both addressing gender-based violence and associated public health sequelae, including HIV/AIDS.
The specific objectives of the project are to:
- Assess the impact of a village savings and loans association (VSLAs) on (a) experiences of intimate partner physical and sexual violence; (b) economic independence; (c) household decision-making; and (d) gender attitudes;
- Assess the incremental impact of Gender Dialogue Groups added to the VSLA program on (a) experiences of intimate partner physical and sexual violence; (b) economic independence; (c) household decision-making; and (d) gender attitudes;
- Explore qualitatively the processes and potential pathways by which the different programmatic approaches (VSLA + Gender Dialogue Group / VSLA only) might influence levels of violence, economic independence and decision-making; and
- Explore the economic impact of VSLA participation at the household level, including financial gains or losses, budgeting and household economic stresses.
To complete the above objectives we randomized 48 VSLA / VSLA+ groups in 24 villages in rural Cote d’Ivoire. Collaborators include the International Rescue Committee (Co-PI: Jeannie Annan, PhD) and Innovations for Poverty Action.
