Evaluating the impact of the Men as Partners in Change (MPC) Program in Mazar-e-sharif Afghanistan

Abstract

The goal of this qualitative study was to identify the acceptability of the Men in Partners in Change (MPC) program and inform midstream improvements to the content and delivery of the program aimed at educating young men in Afghanistan on women’s rights, gender awareness and prevention of domestic violence. This study includes data from three focus group discussions (FGDs) with 21 students and ten structured in-depth interviews (IDIs) with students completing the four-week MPC program and six IDIs among staff implementing the program in three schools in northern Afghanistan. Key themes were identified and patterns interpreted to identify similarities and differences in participant responses across transcripts from FGDs and IDIs. The Theory of Reasoned Action was used to explain how the program has influenced or changed behaviors based on attitudes, norms, and intentions. Overall, most students found the program to be acceptable and have a positive impact and indicated a change in attitude toward violence against women. Staff mentioned challenges in implementing the program including security concerns, lack of resources, and the need for further training in administering and evaluating the program. While these midstream results are part of a larger evaluation to be completed in late 2021, these data were used to inform midstream recommendations to improve the program. Both students and staff recommend supporting awareness and educational programs for young men to change longstanding attitudes about women’s rights and bring positive change through men and women working side by side.