Evaluation of RISE II Integrated Social and Behavior Change Activities in Niger
Gender-specific messaging may be the key to empowering communities to improve their health in the Sahel.
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Although integrated Behavior Change Communication (BCC) programs/approaches in the Sahel seem effective in changing behavior, there is generally a lack of rigorous evidence with few large-scale evaluations or surveys. To address this gap, Breakthrough Research conducted a mixed-methods study that included quantitative methods to assess incremental changes over time in key health outcomes associated with the integrated BCC strategy, and qualitative methods to explain how and why gender-related changes occurred or were associated with these changes. This report presents the results of this study conducted in the Maradi and Zinder regions of Niger. The results highlight the potential of an integrated BCC program combined with community-driven development to increase access to and demand for health services and, ultimately, improve health outcomes. The results suggest that using multiple gender-specific channels to disseminate messages, foster communication among partners and address misaligned attitudes and social norms is a promising approach to empowering women, men and communities to improve their health.