Key Social Norms Take-aways This study shows that shifting knowledge and attitudes among adolescents is not enough to produce lasting change unless efforts also confront the persistent gender norms and power structures embedded in family and community life. Although the Growing Up Great programme increased awareness and fostered more equitable views, especially among girls, entrenched social norms about male authority and gendered expectations continued to constrain adolescent agency. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing both individual and collective beliefs and practices, including through adult engagement, to create environments that support adolescent autonomy and gender equality.
Objectives The evaluation aimed to assess the longer-term impact of the Growing Up Great intervention on adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and gender norms approximately 18 months after the intervention ended.
Methods This study used a longitudinal cohort design, following a sample of adolescents in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, across four waves of data collection over three years. The final survey included 1,471 adolescents. Quantitative surveys collected data on knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions of social norms related to reproductive health and gender equality. Data were analyzed using difference-in-difference models to measure change over time between intervention and comparison groups.
Intervention Details Growing Up Great was a multi-component intervention that used age-appropriate educational tools and participatory activities in schools and communities. Adolescents participated in weekly curriculum-based group sessions focused on reproductive health, puberty, and gender equality. Parents and caregivers attended reflection sessions designed to encourage supportive relationships and open dialogue. Teachers and health workers were trained to provide accurate information and youth-friendly services, while community leaders were engaged through advocacy and mobilization events.
Results The intervention led to sustained improvements in girls’ knowledge about puberty and reproductive health, and in their self-efficacy around expressing opinions and seeking services. Girls in the intervention group were significantly more likely to hold egalitarian views on gender roles and reported improved communication with adults. However, there was little evidence of change in boys’ attitudes or in social norms around male dominance and girls’ silence. Girls continued to report limited autonomy in decision-making and hesitation in challenging adult authority, reflecting persistent community norms.
Conclusions Growing Up Great contributed to important gains in knowledge, confidence, and gender attitudes, particularly for girls, but longer-term change is constrained by enduring norms about gender and age-based power. Future efforts must prioritize norm-shifting at the household and community levels and address the structural factors that prevent adolescents—especially girls—from acting on their improved knowledge and beliefs.