Type of Material: Technical Briefs

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Engaging Parents in Sexual and Reproductive Health Programs for Very Young Adolescents in the DRC

Engaging parents and other caregivers to create a supportive environment is a key component of successful very young adolescents (VYA) programs. A recent global review of parenting programs found that improved parent-child communication was the most important determinant of improvements in other adolescent well-being outcomes. Parent and caregiver involvement is particularly essential for programs that aim to shift or promote more equitable gender and social norms. Such programs must intervene at multiple levels and be rooted in local values to achieve the positive social change they seek.

Breakthrough ACTION produced this document, Engaging Parents in Sexual and Reproductive Health [ English | French ], to share key learnings from a human-centered design process with VYAs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that suggests three key implications for programs and policies:

  1. Invest in activities that bring families and communities together to address gender norms.
  2. Explore game-based solutions.
  3. Integrate activities into existing community-based health platforms and organizations.

VYA Pilot Package

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Date of Publication: July 30, 2026

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Using Human-Centered Design to Create a Gender-Equitable Environment for Very Young Adolescents

As part of Breakthrough ACTION’s efforts to advance innovative social and behavior change approaches for youth, the project applied human-centered design to develop gender-equitable interventions with very young adolescents in three of the Global Early Adolescent Study multi-year cohort sites: Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Denpasar and Semarang in Indonesia. Human-centered design was selected as a methodology for meaningful youth engagement in designing programs that shape their lives.

Design and Test Reports

Breakthrough ACTION produced several materials to document the design process, including three design and test reports that detail the HCD activities conducted in Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Indonesia
Democratic Republic of the Congo

BAHASA INDONESIA

Pendekatan Human-Centered Design untuk Membangun Lingkungan yang Mendukung Kesetaraan Gender bagi Remaja Sangat Muda di Indonesia [PDF]

Penerapan pendekatan HCD untuk penguatan program kesetaraan gender remaja di Republik Demokratik Kongo dan Indonesia [PDF]

Mengatasi Ketidaksetaraan Gender di Masa Remaja Awal di Indonesia: Implikasi untuk Program dan Kebijakan dari Proses HCD [PDF]

Membangun Lingkungan yang mendukung Kesetaraan Gender bagi Remaja Sangat Muda: Pesan dan Bukti untuk Meyakinkan Pembuat Keputusan [PDF]

ENGLISH

Design & Test Report: Indonesia [PDF]

Human-centered design to promote a gender-equitable environment for very young adolescents in Indonesia [PDF]

Design & Test Report: DRC [PDF]

Leveraging Human-Centered Design to Improve Gender-Equitable Adolescent Programming in the DRC and Indonesia [PDF]

Engaging Parents in SRH: Programs for VYAs in the DRC [PDF]

Addressing Gender Inequity during Early Adolescence in Indonesia: Implications for Programs and Policies from an Human-Centered Design Process [PDF]

Creating a Gender-Equitable Environment for VYAs: Messages and Evidence to Persuade Decision Makers [PDF]

EN FRANÇAIS

Tirer parti de la conception centrée sur l’humain pour améliorer la programmation équitable sur le plan du genre pour les adolescents en RDC et en Indonésie [PDF]

Engagement des parents dans la SSR : Programmes pour les très jeunes adolescents en la RDC [PDF]

Pilot Package

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Date of Publication: July 30, 2026

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Very Young Adolescent Gender Equity: Messages and Evidence to Persuade Decision Makers

In 2022, Breakthrough ACTION conducted informal interviews with gender, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and youth programming subject matter experts and with youth-led and youth-serving organizations seeking to improve gender equality for very young adolescents (VYAs). The purpose of these interviews was to understand the facilitators and barriers that influence the extent to which stakeholders support and prioritize gender-related policies and programs for VYAs.

The project also conducted a narrative review of publicly available information on gender norms and gender transformative interventions for VYAs, focusing on reports and results from the Global Early Adolescent Study, a multi-country longitudinal study exploring gender socialization and its implications for adolescent health and wellbeing. All of this information was synthesized and transferred into an operational message framework and validated with experts in SRH, gender, and youth.

About the Message Framework

The Creating a Gender-Equitable Environment for Very Young Adolescents: Messages and Evidence to Persuade Decision Makers [ Bahasa Indonesia | English ] is designed for advocates working to increase funding for—and improve the implementation of—programs that seek to create a gender-equitable environment for VYAs (aged 10–14). While gender equality among VYAs is a critical outcome on its own, it is also an important social determinant of health that can support improvements in a broad array of health outcomes, including SRH, violence prevention, mental health, and more.

The document provides a core set of key messages and recommendations that can and should be tailored to specific contexts and stakeholders. It is designed to be used as part of a strategic advocacy process, such as SMART Advocacy, particularly during the process of developing key “asks” and compiling supporting evidence. Users can adapt the messages provided to create advocacy materials, events, and campaigns supporting VYA gender equity.

VYA Pilot Package

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Date of Publication: July 30, 2026

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Addressing Gender Inequity during Early Adolescence in Indonesia

Focusing on formative developmental windows, this technical brief outlines programmatic and policy implications for addressing gender inequity among very young adolescents ages 10 to 14 in Indonesia. The resource synthesizes evidence from a human-centered design process, illustrating how restrictive gender expectations take root during early puberty and impact mental health, education, and social development. It offers actionable recommendations for engaging families, addressing the intersection of gender and violence, and building cross-sectoral partnerships across education, health, and social services. Program managers, policy makers, and youth advocates can leverage these insights to design gender-transformative interventions tailored to young adolescents and their surrounding support networks.

Addressing Gender Inequity during Early Adolescence in Indonesia – Bahasa [PDF]

VYA Pilot Package

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Date of Publication: July 29, 2026

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Addressing Barriers to Family Planning for Postpartum Women Experiencing Depression and Anxiety

Examining the intersection of perinatal mental health and reproductive autonomy, this technical resource highlights specialized approaches to address family planning barriers among postpartum women experiencing depression and anxiety. The document identifies how psychological distress impacts self-efficacy, health-seeking behaviors, and decision-making regarding voluntary contraception. It offers actionable strategies for health providers and program managers to integrate empathetic mental health screening and counseling into routine postpartum care settings. SBC practitioners, clinical leaders, and maternal health advocates can leverage these insights to design holistic care models that support both mental well-being and reproductive health outcomes.

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Date of Publication: July 27, 2026

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More Family Planning and Reproductive Health Resources

Measuring Equity in SBC Programming for Family Planning and Sexual and Reproductive Health

Establishing a standardized monitoring and evaluation framework, this technical resource provides guidance on measuring equity within social and behavior change interventions for family planning and reproductive health. The brief outlines practical indicators and data collection approaches to track whether program reach, engagement, and behavioral outcomes are distributed fairly across diverse population segments. It offers step-by-step methods to disaggregate programmatic data by age, geographic location, socio-economic status, and gender. Program evaluators, researchers, and project managers can apply these measurement tools to identify underserved groups, address access disparities, and hold health initiatives accountable for equitable impact.

Recorded Webinars

Why Do We Need to Elevate the S in SBC to Improve FP/RH Outcomes?

This webinar made the case for explicitly considering and addressing equity and social determinants of health in social and behavior change programming for family planning and reproductive health.

How Can SBC Programming Address Equity and Social Determinants of Health?

This webinar focused on how social and behavior change programming is well suited to addressing equity and social determinants of health in family planning/reproductive health.

How can Incorporating Social Accountability Into SBC Improve Equity?

This webinar focused on social accountability as a critical process that can be further leveraged across social and behavior change programming to address equity and social determinants of health to shape and influence family planning and reproductive health outcomes.

RELATED RESOURCES

Expanding the “S” in SBC: Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity [ENGLISH / EN FRANÇAIS]

Intentionally Incorporating the Social Determinants of Health into SBC Programming for FP [ENGLISH / EN FRANÇAIS]

The Road to Equity in FP: Incorporating the Social Determinants of Health [ENGLISH]

Last modified: July 27, 2026

Language: English

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Year of Publication: 2023

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More Health Equity Resources

Expanding the “S” in SBC: Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity

Re-evaluating traditional social and behavior change frameworks, this technical document highlights how prioritizing social factors addresses structural health inequities. The resource outlines methodologies for incorporating social determinants of health into social and behavior change strategies, moving beyond individual behavior to encompass community-level systems and social conditions. It examines how systemic discrimination, economic inequality, and environmental barriers impact health outcomes, offering guidance for program adaptation. Practitioners, program managers, and policy makers can utilize this framework to design inclusive health interventions that advance health equity for vulnerable populations.

EN FRANÇAIS

Élargir le « S » du changement social et de comportement [PDF]

Recent Webinars

Why Do We Need to Elevate the S in SBC to Improve FP/RH Outcomes?

This webinar made the case for explicitly considering and addressing equity and social determinants of health in social and behavior change programming for family planning and reproductive health.

How Can SBC Programming Address Equity and Social Determinants of Health?

This webinar focused on how social and behavior change programming is well suited to addressing equity and social determinants of health in family planning/reproductive health.

How can Incorporating Social Accountability Into SBC Improve Equity?

This webinar focused on social accountability as a critical process that can be further leveraged across social and behavior change programming to address equity and social determinants of health to shape and influence family planning and reproductive health outcomes.

RELATED RESOURCES

Intentionally Incorporating the Social Determinants of Health into SBC Programming for FP

Measuring Equity in SBC Programming for Family Planning and Sexual and Reproductive Health

The Road to Equity in FP: Incorporating the Social Determinants of Health

Last modified: July 26, 2026

Language: English

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Year of Publication: 2022

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More Family Planning and Reproductive Health Resources

The Road to Equity in Family Planning: Incorporating the Social Determinants of Health

Highlighting the intersection between structural factors and healthcare access, this technical resource provides a practical framework for integrating the social determinants of health into voluntary family planning programs. The document outlines how underlying socio-economic conditions, educational attainment, gender dynamics, and geographic barriers shape individual health choices and access to quality care. It presents operational strategies for program planners to design equitable behavioral interventions that address root systemic inequities alongside individual behavior change. SBC practitioners, global health advocates, and policy makers can utilize these insights to foster health equity and ensure voluntary family planning services reach underserved populations.

Recent Webinars

Why Do We Need to Elevate the S in SBC to Improve FP/RH Outcomes?

This webinar made the case for explicitly considering and addressing equity and social determinants of health in social and behavior change programming for family planning and reproductive health.

How Can SBC Programming Address Equity and Social Determinants of Health?

This webinar focused on how social and behavior change programming is well suited to addressing equity and social determinants of health in family planning/reproductive health.

How can Incorporating Social Accountability Into SBC Improve Equity?

This webinar focused on social accountability as a critical process that can be further leveraged across social and behavior change programming to address equity and social determinants of health to shape and influence family planning and reproductive health outcomes.

RELATED RESOURCES

Expanding the “S” in SBC: Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity [ENGLISH / FRANÇAIS]

Intentionally Incorporating the Social Determinants of Health into SBC Programming for FP [ENGLISH / FRANÇAIS]

Measuring Equity in SBC Programming for FP and SRH [ENGLISH]

Last modified: July 26, 2026

Language: English

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Year of Publication: 2023

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More Child Health Resources

Provincial Assessment of Barriers to the Adoption of MNCH Accelerator Behaviors in the DRC

To better understand and address the barriers to adopting timely maternal health services, Breakthrough ACTION conducted a contextual assessment in select provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This analysis involved close collaboration with health care providers to develop solutions to help resolve persistent challenges and behavioral barriers to seeking services.

The evaluation report highlights key findings and offers actionable recommendations that address cultural, religious, and socioeconomic barriers. These insights can guide others interested in designing targeted strategies to improve access to and uptake of essential health care services.

Evaluation provinciale des obstacles liés à l’adoption des comportements accélérateurs relatifs aux services de santé maternelle et infantile en Republique Democratique du Congo

Afin de mieux comprendre et d’éliminer les obstacles à l’adoption de services de santé maternelle opportuns, Breakthrough ACTION a mené une évaluation contextuelle dans certaines provinces de la RDC. Cette analyse a impliqué une étroite collaboration avec les prestataires de soins de santé afin de développer des solutions pour aider à résoudre les défis persistants et les barrières comportementales à la recherche de services de santé.

Le rapport d’évaluation met en évidence les principaux résultats et propose des recommandations concrètes pour lever les obstacles culturels, religieux et socio-économiques. Ces informations peuvent guider d’autres personnes désireuses de concevoir des stratégies ciblées pour améliorer l’accès et l’utilisation des services de santé essentiels.

Last modified: July 26, 2026

Language: French

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Year of Publication: 2023

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More Community Engagement Resources

Ten Lessons Learned from Breakthrough ACTION’s SBC for FP/RH Programs

Social and behavior change (SBC) is an essential component in achieving global development goals, including family planning (FP). SBC is a discipline that uses a deep understanding of human and societal behavior and evidence-based interventions—such as mass media, community group engagement, and interpersonal communication—to increase the adoption of healthy behaviors and influence the social norms that underpin those behaviors. Living up to the international community’s commitment to achieving universal access to reproductive health (RH) by 2030—including FP information and services—requires an understanding of the barriers to modern contraception use and what can facilitate that usage. FP programs need to consistently and systematically apply a behavioral lens to identify barriers and facilitators and implement strategically designed SBC interventions.

Since it was launched in 2017, Breakthrough ACTION has implemented a wide array of activities to improve FP outcomes, including both global and regional level advocacy, technical assistance, and capacity strengthening, as well as the country-level implementation of SBC campaigns and solutions.

This overview brief (English | French) shares the top ten key learnings from the project’s work on SBC for FP. Three complementary briefs dive into the details and project examples of these lessons learned and provide recommendations to implementing partners, governments, and donors looking to improve their SBC for FP/RH programming.

The three complementary briefs are:

  • Going Beyond Engagement: Community-Centered Social and Behavior Change for Family Planning and Reproductive Health Programming (English | French)
  • Strengthening Social and Behavior Change for Service Delivery: Tailoring Interventions for Different Stakeholders in Family Planning and Reproductive Health (English | French)
  • Ensuring Effective Partnerships and Coordination for Social and Behavior Change for Family Planning and Reproductive Health (English | French)

Last modified: July 26, 2026

Language: English, French

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Year of Publication: 2022

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