Paper short abstract:

This mixed-methods study (in adolescents from slum communities in Kolkata, India) examined (1) the impact of a multicomponent gender equality program and (2) adolescents’ beliefs regarding the changeability of gender norms in their communities/society. The data, obtained by questionnaires and photovoice, show the effects of the program over time and insight in relevant gender themes in this group.

Paper long abstract:

RESEARCH CONTEXT

Having the ability to exercise material, cultural, social and political control over one’s life and surroundings is one of the core tenets of Sen’s capability approach. Yet, the realization of one’s potential is not only a matter of individual characteristics but also largely defined by the socio-cultural context. That means that social structures, socio-cultural norms and beliefs influence what people can do and be. Yet, it is well known that disparities exist, both between and within countries with gross inequalities along the lines of gender, race, socio-economic status and age.

In India, gender inequality is a major issue (it ranks 135 among a total of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index 2022). Despite improvement, these inequalities have a major impact on people’s capability to live a fulfilling life.

Calcutta Rescue (CR) is an NGO in Kolkata supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in the city. CR’s mission is to fight poverty by offering free healthcare, education and improvement of living standards and empower those who need it most. CR’s gender equality program recognizes the unique window of opportunity to impact gender norms in early adolescence and the importance of boys in achieving gender equality, the program focuses on girls and boys aged 10-18 years. The program encompasses teacher training, a boys-club in which boys collectively discuss challenges with gender issues with a male social worker, individual and group sessions with students, the community and parents about topics related to gender roles, gender norms and gender-based violence.

A mixed-methods study was conducted to (1) examine the effects of the program on adolescents’ attitudes towards gender norms, tolerance of violence against girls, and school absence due to involvement in household chores (quantitative part); (2) explore adolescents’ beliefs regarding the changeability of gender norms in their communities and society (qualitative part).

METHODOLOGY

Quantitative part

A single-group pretest-posttest design was used to measure the impact of the program. Girls and boys (10-18 years) enrolled in CR’s adolescent gender equality program (n = 195; 57.1% female) completed measures of attitudes towards gender norms, attitudes towards condoning violence against girls (in boys only), and school absence due to involvement in household chores at baseline (before the start of the program) and 16 months thereafter.

Qualitative part

Photovoice was used to get a better understanding of adolescents’ beliefs regarding the changeability of gender norms in their communities and society. Photovoice is an innovative participatory action-oriented research method that puts cameras into the hands of participants to help them document, critically reflect upon and communicate their issues of concern. The use of photography alongside narratives provides a powerful means for minority groups to communicate their lived experiences. The method can lead to empowerment when the participants realize that their pictures and related discussions can be used as visual evidence for policymakers and foster social change.

Two years after the start of CR’s gender equality program, 16 adolescents (12 girls, 4 boys; age 16-18 years) participated in a weeklong photovoice workshop. During the workshop a photovoice trainer guided the adolescents through a set of pre-defined steps: (1) basic training in visual literacy, photography, and ethics, (2) establishment of the research question, (3) picture taking, (4) picture selection, (5) picture contextualization, (6) picture categorization, and (7) ways to turn insights into action. Steps 4-6 were group discussions, where the participants reviewed their photographs, codified the data, and identified the themes that emerged from the data.

RESULTS

Quantitative part

The results of paired t-tests indicated a significant improvement in all indices of gender equality i.e., more gender equitable attitudes towards gender norms (t194 = 7.04, p = <.001, d = .50), less condoning of violence against girls (t78 = -3.19, p = .001, d = -36), and lower rates of school absence due to involvement in household chores over time (t188 = -2.24, p = .013, d = -16). Regarding sex differences: both girls and boys became more gender equitable over time but girls had more gender equitable attitudes towards gender norms than boys F (1, 193) = 56.29, p <.001. The results further showed that boys with a more positive attitude toward gender norms were less tolerant of violence against girls (baseline: r =.22, p =.047; at follow-up r =.55, p <.001).

Qualitative part

The research question of this study was: “What role belonging to your gender do you think will always stay the same”. Through critical dialogue and group reflection, eight themes were identified: responsibility, lack of confidence, tradition, vulnerability, maternity and human care, bodily strength, lack of trust from society, convenience and habit. Students expressed their wish to speak out about the importance of gender equality, starting with their family and their communities. Some students mentioned that they want to write to the secretary of state emphasizing the value of gender education lessons at school. They also voiced their intention to put the learned lessons about gender equality into practice and behave accordingly. Other effects of the photovoice project included an increase in students’ self-confidence and self-expression over time.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed a significant improvement over time in different aspects of gender equality in adolescents from very disadvantaged neighborhoods. The positive results obtained during a relatively short time suggests that CR’s multi-component gender equality program, which adopts a systems thinking approach tackling gender issues at different social levels, provides a promising avenue to address gender issues in this group. Longer exposure to the program and extended follow-up is needed to determine the effectiveness of the program in the long term. The results of the photovoice project, which provide information about the remaining challenges in receiving gender equality in this group, will be used to further optimize the program by incorporating the themes as prompts for discussion with parents and community members. The students themselves will be encouraged to put their insights into action. This may involve strategies to support the empowerment of these marginalized youth and the development of capabilities required for the realization of their full potential.