Using SBC to Enhance Programs to End Child, Early, and Forced Marriage

"Interventions and programs that are creative, multi-faceted, and innovative will be required in order to address the factors contributing to the prevalence and impact of CEFM."

This set of seven technical briefs focuses on the use of social and behaviour change (SBC) approaches to strengthen the collective effort to reduce child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM). Breakthrough ACTION developed the briefs for an intended audience of programme designers and implementers by drawing lessons learned from interventions conducted all over the world.

The briefs focus on:

1. Collective Action [12 pages, PDF]: In most areas where CEFM is practiced, it is a social norm, not an individual preference. Therefore, while change at the individual level is possible, it is slow and difficult to achieve. When behaviour change is an outcome of collective action, an individual's change can happen within the context of a supportive environment, which increases the likelihood that the change will become permanent and result in a larger, more sustainable shift at a larger scale. This brief explores how to incorporate collective action into CEFM programming and provides examples of, and links to resources on, collective action in CEFM programmes.
2. Gender Synchronization [10 pages, PDF]: Gender synchronisation recognises that people of all genders shape and perpetuate gender norms in society. Therefore, true positive social change will come from working with people of all genders using gender-synchronised approaches. As a holistic approach to ending CEFM, gender synchronisation acknowledges power imbalances and the fact that at-risk youth often have less decision-making power over the timing and conditions of marriage than their parents, other relatives, and influential adults in their community. In addition to examples and links to resources, this brief features key recommendations for donors and policymakers and for programme designers and implementers.
3. Human-Centered Design [10 pages, PDF]: CEFM and the underlying drivers of CEFM, such as son preference, economic instability, and strict cultural norms, are longstanding challenges the solutions to which have often tried repeatedly without effect. The HCD process guides community members, stakeholders, and practitioners through an iterative design process that enables them to look at the problem from many different angles to find new or innovative solutions. This brief explains when to incorporate HCD in CEFM programmes.
4. SBC Theory [14 pages, PDF]: Theoretical models are evidence-based frameworks for understanding human behaviours and are, thus, useful for developing CEFM programmes where behaviour change is needed. This brief introduces two fundamental theories - the Social Learning Theory and the theory of Bounded Normative Influence - outlining steps for each and explaining how to incorporate them in CEFM programming. "Such theories can be especially useful when addressing behaviors embedded in existing social norms and practices like CEFM, as implementing these theories in program design can lead to the engagement of community champions and social networks who can model acceptance of new, healthier norms."
5. Advanced Audience Segmentation [8 pages, PDF] - Advanced segmentation recognises that even within a particular age or geographic population, differences exist between the needs, attitudes, and behaviors of children at risk to be married or children, in particular girls, who are already married, as well as between different groups of parents and influencers in the community. This strategy provides SBC practitioners with information to better allocate their programme's resources, use a cross-sector approach, and maximise the impact of their programme. The process, which is outlined here in a stepwise fashion, should be conducted in partnership with representatives from the community.
6. Social Norms [11 pages, PDF]: Different social norms are often contributing factors in the persistence of CEFM in communities. This brief explains how, by designing norms-shifting interventions, you can begin to tackle these long-standing influencers. Tips include: Involve the community from the very beginning; take into account all the different influencers; and understand the larger context in which the the community exists. This brief links to and describes a number of relevant tools.
7. Youth Engagement [11 pages, PDF]: Traditionally, the inclusion of youth in CEFM programming primarily took the form of peer-based activities or awareness-raising in communities. A more intentional and meaningful youth engagement approach means that youth can act as stakeholders, advocates, and leaders throughout the project cycle. As noted here: "By engaging youth in CEFM programing from design through to evaluation, and including activities to strengthen youth's agency, you can increase the sustainability and impact of your program." Among other subtopics, this brief explores how to address common challenges in youth engagement.

These briefs complement and add additional information to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)'s "Child, Early, and Forced Marriage Resource Guide" (available at Related Summaries, below).