Key Social Norms Take-aways Although the study does not use formal social norms theory or measure norms directly, it clearly identifies normative influences—especially community expectations and social pressures—as key drivers of early marriage. In the background, the authors frame child marriage as shaped by family concerns about reputation, girls’ perceived readiness for adult roles, and the social value of marriageability. The project-level theory of change explicitly includes the goal of shifting gender-equitable family and community norms, attitudes, and behaviors to delay child marriage. Qualitative findings suggest that the intervention may have influenced injunctive norms: for example, girls who delayed marriage and participated in training were seen as respectable and purposeful, rather than disobedient. These subtle shifts in perceived social approval suggest normative change, even though norms were not directly measured. The findings underscore the value of building girls’ visible engagement and future aspirations as a way to indirectly challenge community expectations around early marriage.

Objectives To evaluate the impact of a community-based skills development program on delaying child marriage and promoting personal development among adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh.

Methods The study used a randomized controlled design involving 4,400 adolescent girls aged 12–18 in 148 villages across three rural districts of Bangladesh. Villages were randomly assigned to receive either livelihood training, life skills training, both, or no intervention (control). Data were collected through surveys at baseline (2015) and endline (2018), with supplemental qualitative interviews and focus group discussions conducted in 2019 to explore perceived impacts and pathways of change.

Intervention Details Implemented by BRAC, the intervention consisted of weekly sessions over two years. Life skills training included topics such as rights, gender equality, health, and communication, while livelihood training offered hands-on instruction in trades like tailoring and agriculture. Sessions were held in “Kishori Clubs,” girl-only spaces within the community. Some arms also included exposure to community dialogues and group-based savings activities.

Results Quantitative findings showed modest but significant delays in marriage among participants, particularly in villages where both life skills and livelihood training were provided. Qualitative data indicated that girls gained confidence, expressed greater aspirations, and began contributing to household income or tasks. Community perceptions of early marriage shifted subtly—girls who delayed marriage were seen as “busy” or “motivated,” rather than rebellious. Families reported being more willing to delay marriage if girls were visibly engaged in structured, skills-based programs.

Conclusions Community-based skills development can delay child marriage by enhancing girls’ perceived value, agency, and household roles. While the study did not measure norms directly, its findings suggest that shifting community perceptions and expectations is possible through sustained engagement.