A longitudinal qualitative evaluation of an economic and social empowerment intervention to reduce girls’ vulnerability to HIV in rural Mozambique

• DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101682
• Publication Date: 2019-07-23T15:24:51Z
• Authors: Holly McClain Burke; Catherine Packer; Lázaro González-C...; Kathleen Ridgeway; Rachel Lenzi; Ann F. Green; Troy D. Moon
• Keywords: Transactional sex; Vulnerability; Attendance; Shame

An intervention including business training and health education was implemented in Mozambique, where girls are at elevated risk for acquiring HIV. As part of a mixed-methods evaluation, we describe perceived effects the on girls' sexual behavior school attendance. We conducted 49 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with girl participants (ages 13–19), 24 IDIs heads households, 36 influential males identified by girls, 12 focus group discussions community members after ended one year later. Informants said primary benefit realized when had money to stay or return and/or buy necessities themselves their households—reducing need transactional intergenerational sex. However, some did not make profit businesses were sustainable. Sometimes appeared be way reinforce inequitable gender norms resulting feeling shame they reengaged risky sex failed. Earning enabled potentially reduce vulnerability offer recommendations future multi-sector interventions, address potential harms programs serving vulnerable girls.