EmpowHER: Report from 2018-2021

Introduction

This evaluation explores how the EmpowHER programme supported young women and girls to improve wellbeing through youth-led social action. led social action.

It sets out what the programme achieved, how it was delivered, and what enabled meaningful participation.

It’s intended for funders, youth organisations, and practitioners working to improve girls’ wellbeing and empowerment.

Methodology

The evaluation used mixed methods, drawing on:

• programme data

• participant feedback

• youth worker insights

• evidence collected across 3.5 years of delivery

From 2018 to 2021, it explored:

• engagement

• participant journeys

• organisational learning

This approach was used to understand how the programme operated in practice and how change occurred.

Findings

The evaluation found that EmpowHER:

• successfully engaged young women and girls with low wellbeing and additional barriers

• improved wellbeing for participants over the course of the programme

• helped young women feel empowered to identify issues and lead social action

• strengthened social cohesion among participants

• supported early development of longer-term involvement in social action term

Considerations

When using these findings, consider that evidence reflects practice-based learning from one voluntary sector programme rather than controlled comparison. Evidence is emerging and shaped by local contexts, delivery models, and participant profiles. based learning from one voluntary sector programme rather than controlled comparison.

Results may differ in groups with different levels of wellbeing, resources, or community support.