EmpowHER Legacy Evaluation Final Report: January 2024

Introduction

This evaluation examines how the EmpowHER model for youth led social action can be scaled and embedded across youth organisations. It examines what supports sustainable delivery and wider outcomes for young women and girls.

This report is designed for funders, youth sector leaders, and practitioners working in youth empowerment and wellbeing.

Methodology

The evaluation used mixed methods research combining:

• programme data

• case studies

• feedback from 52 participating youth organisations

evidence from young women involved in social action projects.

It covers delivery across the EmpowHER Legacy period and assesses how scaling worked in varied organisational contexts. This approach explored both implementation and early results in scaling activity.

Findings

The evaluation found that the EmpowHER model continued to delivery positive results when scaled. Young women and girls reported feeling happier, more confident, and more able to take social action.

It also found that:

• youth organisations valued EmpowHER and viewed it as a strong model for youth‑led empowerment

• scaling needed flexible support, structured learning, and sufficient funding to embed delivery

• youth workers were critical in maintaining engagement and creating safe, inclusive environments

• social action projects covered varied issues, showing the flexibility of the model across local needs and settings

• partnerships helped organisations connect, share learning, and extend the reach of youth‑led projects

Considerations

Evidence reflects programme specific needs and settings.

Learning was drawn from practice-based insights rather than controlled comparison.

Considerations should be interpreted as exploratory evidence about scaling youth social action.

Results may differ in organisations with significantly different resources or youth demographics.