Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Girls Empowerment Project in Jimma Town, Ethiopia,2024

Abstract

Background: Empowerment for girls and young mothers is achieved when they gain control over their financial and material resources. This helps them to overcome gender-related obstacles and contribute to the reduction of child abandonment and neglect which occur due to unwanted pregnancy. Objective: To evaluate the project’s effectiveness in reducing unwanted pregnancies in adolescent girls, financial capacity, and enhancing government commitment to addressing child abandonment and neglect in 2024. Methods: A summative evaluation of the Girls' Empowerment Project was carried out in Jimma Town from July 1 to August 1, 2024. The evaluation utilized a quasi-experimental design, specifically employed pre posttest comparison group methodology. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied, along with document review. Data were gathered from project participants, key informants, and project documentation. A total of 137 project participants participated in the quantitative study. Based on the data saturation criteria, two focus group discussions and four key informant interviews with the stakeholders were conducted, and project documents were also reviewed and contributed for qualitative insights. Systematic sampling was used for quantitative data, while purposive sampling was applied for qualitative data. The study utilized a structured questionnaire administered via Kobo Toolbox, verified for accuracy, and then exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis using logistic regression techniques. Qualitative data were transcribed, translated, coded and analyzed in themes and presented as triangulation with quantitative results. The findings were analyzed and presented collectively, with the overall effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability dimensions. Results: The survey result indicated a reduction in unwanted pregnancies among the 137 project participants, decreasing from 10% to 1%. Additionally, 98% of the adolescent girls accessed youth-friendly SRH services, and 94% of project participants had received information on SRH. Furthermore, 132 respondents (97%) engage in their own IGAs. Based on the dimensions, the effectiveness of the project was 87%, effecency100% and sustainability 50%, which was rated as very good, very good and poorly implemented consecutively. In general, the overall result of the project was 79%, which represents the partial implementation of the project. Conclusion and Recommendations: The overall implementation level of the Girls' Empowerment Project, as determined by the judgment matrix, was partially implemented (79%). The project's sustainability strategy should be given careful consideration during the design and implementation phases. The project should work with Key Implementing partners and community leaders to ensure sustainability for future.