Programme and Impact Evaluation of a Community Gender Equity Intervention with Boys and Young Men in Rajasthan, India

Abstract

This paper examines how addressing known determinants of intimate partner violence with boys and men on the community-level can lead to improved gender equality in social norms. We led a process and impact evaluation to assess the effects of the Center for Health and Social Justice’s project, which aimed to engage men in changing gender stereotypes and to ultimately improve health outcomes for women, in villages in Rajasthan, India. We conducted seven focus group discussions with participants where the program was implemented and six in-depth interviews with young male leaders involved in the intervention. We also conducted 70 surveys, originally administered pre- implementation of the program, to assess participant and community knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours surrounding gender, violence, and sexuality. We used thematic analysis to determine process and impact themes, and hierarchical mixed linear regression for primary outcome analysis for post-intervention surveys. Post-intervention, significant changes in knowledge and attitudes regarding gender, sexuality, and violence were made on the individual-level by participants, as well as in the community. Moderate behavioural changes were seen in individuals and in the community. Study findings offer a strong model for prevention programs working with boys and men to create a community effect in encouraging gender equality in social norms.