Influencing Girls' Lives: Acceptability and Effectiveness of a Livelihoods Skill Building Intervention in Gujarat

This report evaluates the effectiveness of a pilot livelihood skills building program for adolescent girls implemented by the Self-employed Women’s Association (SEWA) and the Population Council in Gujarat, India.

The program aimed to support adolescent girls aged 13-19 years to make a safe transition to adulthood, increase their negotiating power in public and private arenas, expand their knowledge and skills, and encourage positive reproductive and sexual health. Program assessment revealed that:

• Participants appreciated the opportunity to meet on a regular basis, visit new places and learn about life outside the village, and acquire vocational skills;
• Meeting on a regular basis facilitated the establishment of strong peer networks;
• Establishment of peer networks and access to the outside world and new skills development became an empowering experience;
• Participants showed higher levels of agency in decision-making, self-esteem, gender attitudes, reproductive health awareness and familiarity with safe spaces.

For maximum benefit, such programs should ensure regular participation and the involvement of parents and community leaders. Livelihoods programs should focus on building agency, developing social skills, reversing traditional gender roles and developing an orientation towards controlling resources.