Can Youth Empowerment Programs Reduce Violence against Girls during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Bolivia Social Protection

Can Youth Empowerment Programs Reduce Violence against Girls during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

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Sub Editor

Researchers

Selim Gulesci, Manuela Puente Beccar, Diego Ubfal

Abstract

This project studies whether a youth empowerment program in Bolivia can reduce the prevalence of violence against girls during the COVID-19 lockdown. The program offers training in soft skills and technical skills, sex education, mentoring, and job-finding assistance. To measure the effects of the program, the study conducts a randomized control trial with 600 vulnerable adolescents. Violence is measured with both direct self-report questions and list experiments.

Project Outcomes of Interest

Labor market outcomes, violence

Partners

Save the Children

Key Findings

The results indicate that seven months after its completion, the program increased girls' earnings and decreased violence targeting females. This finding suggests that empowerment programs can reduce the level of violence experienced by young females during high-risk periods.

Link to Results

World Bank Report

Impact Goals

  • Improve social-safety net responses
  • Improve women’s health, safety, and economic empowerment

Project Data Collection Mode

  • CATI (Computer-assisted telephone interviewing)

Link to Pre-Registration

https://www.socialscienceregistry.org/trials/4836

Results Status

Results