Submission ID 131480
| Issue/Objective | Adolescence is a critical period for shaping gender attitudes and norms that influence health outcomes, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and vulnerability to HIV. Harmful masculine norms such as dominance, aggression, and reluctance to engage in caregiving increase HIV risk through early sexual debut, unsafe sexual practices, and gender-based violence. Gender-transformative interventions (GTIs) have the potential to shift these norms, promoting positive masculinities and safer sexual behaviors. This study piloted a 20-session GTI for very young adolescents (VYA, aged 10-14 years) in Zimbabwe, aiming to examine its effects on gender attitudes, behaviors, and HIV-related outcomes. |
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| Methodology/Approach | March to August 2025, the GTI was delivered to purposively selected in- and out-of-school VYA in two peri-urban locations. Six trained peer facilitators led sessions using role-plays, songs, and plenaries covering SRH, masculinities, femininities, life skills,SRHR and HIV-related topics. Fifteen of 200 sessions (7.5%) were observed using standardized tools documenting attendance, participation, session topics, and lessons learned. Qualitative data (QD) were gathered through interviews with 10 VYA and 6 facilitators, and four focus group discussions with VYA and parents/guardians. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while QD underwent thematic analysis to identify shifts in attitudes and practices. |
| Results | Fifty VYA enrolled, with 38 (76%) attending ≥70% of sessions. Out-of-school adolescents had higher dropout rates due to competing responsibilities and the intensity of sessions. Qualitative findings indicated positive shifts in boys' attitudes, including increased participation in household chores, reduced bullying, and adoption of positive masculinities. Girls demonstrated enhanced self-confidence and awareness of gender equity. These changes suggest potential HIV mitigation benefits promoting respect, communication, equitable decision-making in relationships. Parents expressed interest in receiving gender-transformative training to reinforce adolescents' learning. Some attitudes remained resistant, particularly boys' engagement in girls' menstrual hygiene and broader autonomy for girls, highlighting the need for continued support. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | GTIs positively influence adolescents' gender attitudes and practices, contributing to safer sexual behaviours and HIV risk reduction. Early adolescence is a strategic window to mould social norms, and integrating parental engagement can strengthen outcomes. These findings support the scale-up of GTIs to promote gender equity, positive masculinities,SRHR and HIV prevention among VYA in Zimbabwe similar contexts. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Maxwell Changombe Restless Development Mellisa Fungai Madembo Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council Sharon Manenji Restless Development Nyasha Dangarembizi Restless Development |
