“WE WANT TO LEARN ABOUT GOOD LOVE” FINDINGS FROM A QUALITATIVE STUDY ASSESSING THE LINKS BETWEEN COMPREHENSIVE SEXUALITY EDUCATION (CSE) AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS (VAWG) Jenny Holden, Consultant, Social Development Direct Leila Asrari, Policy and Advocacy Officer, Plan International UK

Purpose of the study Plan’s approach to CSE Existing evidence of impact on SRH outcomes Less known about links with VAWG

Research Questions What are the connections between CSE, gender equality, and VAWG? To what extent can CSE help prevent VAWG and shift harmful social norms underpinning VAWG? What are the barriers and enabling factors to achieving results?

The Findings Peninah giving a talk at her school in Uganda – Plan / Nyani Quarmyne

Gaps in the evidence Most CSE interventions do not measure impact on VAWG Where they do, the focus is on attitudinal outcomes Evaluations of impact on social norms are rare and lack rigour CSE rarely measuring impact on social norms

But, when we dug deeper…. CSE outcome areaLink to VAWG prevention and response Reduce misinformation. For example regarding laws, drivers of violence, definitions and the impact of various types of violence. Increase correct knowledge. For example regarding laws, services and definitions of various types of violence and rights regarding gender equality. Increase skills to make informed decisions and act upon them. Including negotiating if and when to have sex, and use of contraceptive methods. Clarify and strengthen positive values and attitudes. Including respecting women and girls’ right to control their own bodies and live free of violence. Recognising and respecting diversity and including different sexual orientations, and opposing violence and discrimination directed against LGBTI people. Improve young people’s ability to manage and resist peer pressure. Including peer pressure to engage in VAWG (i.e. rape culture on University campuses). Increase communication with peers, parents or other trusted adults. Including discussions around sexual consent. Improving reporting of VAWG.

Theory of Change

Key Findings CSE is a key area for engaging with harmful social norms and promoting positive gender norms CSE can empower young people and improve their confidence, self efficacy and decision making Engaging the wider community in CSE dialogue is key to success CSE must be delivered alongside confidential, accessible VAWG referral and reporting mechanisms

Challenges (1) CSE delivery doesn’t go far enough to achieve social norm change Sexual rights often excluded Unequal gender norms in wider society Non-supportive community attitudes can counter CSE – impacting values and decision- making

The Challenges (2) Young people often not involved in design, implementation or M&E Lack of resources and guidelines for implementation in schools It is hard to reach those most at risk Insufficient and weak VAWG response systems

Recommendations What can civil society learn? How can donors support this agenda? How can national governments facilitate this work?

Thank you For more information on the study please contact: Leila Asrari, Policy and Advocacy Officer, Plan UK Jenny Holden, Consultant