Key Social Norms Take-aways The SSAGE program demonstrates that synchronized, reflective engagement with caregivers, male siblings, and girls can shift household communication and decrease tolerance for violence. However, persistent patriarchal norms—particularly around girls’ obedience and mobility—limited the extent of norm change. This underscores the need for programs to simultaneously address broader structural and community-level drivers of violence alongside household dynamics.
Objectives This study aimed to explore the impact of the SSAGE (Sibling Support for Adolescents in Emergencies) program on household-level violence against adolescent girls and on attitudes, behaviors, and protective assets that influence girls’ risk of gender-based violence in displaced communities in Northeast Nigeria.
Methods The study used a qualitative implementation evaluation with a grounded theoretical approach. Researchers conducted 86 interviews and participatory activities with adolescent boys and girls, male and female caregivers, and program staff. Data collection included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, paired interviews, and participatory activities guided by gender- and age-specific vignettes. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and insights on household dynamics and social norms.
Intervention Details SSAGE was implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria with 480 participants across 120 households. It followed a gender transformative pedagogy and used synchronized curricula tailored to adolescent girls, male siblings, and both male and female caregivers. Sessions addressed topics such as gender roles, power, violence, interpersonal communication, and adolescent rights. Facilitators were trained mentors from the community, and activities were designed to promote self-reflection, empathy, and family dialogue.
Results Participants reported improved communication within families, a decrease in the use and acceptance of violence, and increased understanding of girls’ rights. Male caregivers became more engaged in parenting and demonstrated less reliance on violence or dominance. Adolescent boys described changing their behavior toward sisters. However, many caregivers also reinforced traditional gender roles and increased restrictions on girls’ mobility as a perceived form of protection. These adaptations, while reducing immediate risk, reflect ongoing patriarchal control and may limit long-term empowerment.
Conclusions SSAGE showed promise in shifting interpersonal dynamics and reducing household-level violence, but faced limitations in dismantling deeper structural and normative roots of gender inequality. Future programs must integrate structural-level interventions and broader community engagement to effectively transform gender norms and reduce violence against adolescent girls in humanitarian settings.