Population Council Research that makes a difference

Abstract

Reaching the girls left behind (PDF
Bruce,Judith; Hallman,Kelly
Gender and Development 16(2): 227-245
Publication date: 2008



HIV and AIDS prevention efforts have relied heavily on providing information, and have sometimes provided a weak link to services, without perceiving or addressing the factors which make adolescent girls particularly vulnerable. Social factors, such as friendship networks, and economic factors, such as financial literacy and financial goals, independently but synergistically decrease girls' risk of coerced sex or exchanges of sex for money, and increase their ability to cope in HIV-affected households. Current work focusing on HIV and youth is failing to reach many of the most vulnerable girls. This article discusses innovative interventions in four African countries, which explicitly address the distinctive social, economic, and cultural factors that shape girls' vulnerability, and build up their health, social, and economic assets.




What's New

For 60 years, the Population Council has changed the way the world thinks about important health and development issues. Explore an interactive timeline of the Council's history, learn more about some of our key contributions, and watch a short video about why your support is so important to us.

Get Involved

Connect

  • Visit our Facebook page
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Visit our Youtube channel