Promoting gender equity in very young adolescents: targeting a window of opportunity for social emotional learning (2021)

Social-emotional learning, Gender equity, Experiential learning, Early adolescence, Parental and community engagement.

Location: Tanzania

Reference citation: Cherewick et al., Megan (2021)

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Study Summary

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a social-emotional learning intervention on very young adolescents (VYAs) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Objectives:

• To assess the effect of a social-emotional learning intervention on VYAs’ social-emotional mindsets and skills.
• To explore the potential for such interventions to improve gender equity outcomes during early adolescence.

Procedure:

• The intervention, called Discover Learning, was delivered to 528 VYAs across three primary schools.
• Participants were randomized into three groups, each receiving different levels of intervention:
  • Group A: Content learning
  • Group B: Content learning with reflection
  • Group C: Content learning with reflection and experiential practice
• A quantitative survey measured changes in social-emotional mindsets and skills before and after the intervention.
• A discrete choice experiment assessed changes in gender norms, beliefs, and behaviors.

Main Findings:

• All groups showed significant improvements in social-emotional mindsets and skills.
• Group C, which included experiential learning in mixed-gender groups and parental/community engagement, showed the largest treatment effects.
• Group C participants had a greater change in gender equity outcomes compared to Groups A and B.

Key Takeaways:

• The study supports the effectiveness of social-emotional learning interventions in promoting gender equity among VYAs.
• Experiential learning activities in mixed-gender groups are crucial during early adolescence for shaping healthy gender norms and behaviors.

Significance:

• The research underscores the importance of early interventions that combine social-emotional learning with gender transformative content.
• It highlights the role of experiential learning and community involvement in fostering gender equity from a young age.

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