Context
Piloted in Zimbabwe, this study evaluated the adapted PLH Teen Programme. Violence against women and children is a widespread and troubling issue in countries around the world, including Zimbabwe. The University of Cape Town (UCT), Plan International Zimbabwe, and Clowns Without Borders South Africa (CWBSA) have adapted an internationally recognised parenting programme to better include both parents and reduce family arguments and fighting.
Methods
Mixed methods were used in this study. Quantitative data was collected from pre and post-intervention questionnaires distributed to participants. The questionnaires aimed to measure any changes that occurred because of the intervention. Individual interviews were conducted with 10 fathers, mothers, and adolescents to gain qualitative insights into their experience of the programme.
Findings and discussion
Findings established that the programme was effective in reducing abusive parenting, physical intimate partner violence, co-parenting struggles, parenting stress and child behaviour problems. The programme was also associated with an increase in more equitable gender attitudes and positive parenting. In summary, the programme received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, who highlighted its positive impact on family relationships, conflict resolution, and gender norms, along with their eagerness to share the programme’s lessons with others.
Dissemination
Journal articles are being written based on the formative qualitative work and the final evaluation of the pilot in collaboration with CWBSA. In May 2024, Natalie Davidson (UCT) presented the findings of this study at the Centre for Social Science Research weekly lunchtime seminar. In October, Natalie and Anna Booji (CWBSA) presented the qualitative and quantitative outcomes of the pilot and some insights for violence against women and violence against children intersection programming at the Sexual Violence Research Intitative (SVRI) Forum. Natalie also engaged with funders on what low- and middle-income country researchers need to continue work on violence in an SVRI-organised grantee-funder dialogue during the Forum.
