Addressing Gender, Youth and Social Inclusion in Social and Behavior Change Programs to Increase Locally Led Improved Health Outcomes

Abstract for a Comm Talk from the 2022 International SBCC Summit in Morocco: 

"The iDARE methodology applies improvement science to drive locally-led solutions. The methodology is grounded in human-centered design and draws from classic behavior theories and concepts that have a robust evidence base and application in the SBC field, such as the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Social Cognitive Theory, and the Diffusion for Innovations, as well as innovative approaches from parallel fields including behavioral science, behavioral economics, and consumer/marketing research. Utilizing 5 steps, iDARE facilitates a deeper understanding of intersecting socio-cultural, behavioral, and contextual factors as they relate to desired outcomes. The methodology is rooted in the fundamental principle that addressing persistent inequities requires starting where the people are, putting people at the heart and in the driver's seat of its solutions. iDARE incorporates empowerment as an action-oriented concept with a focus on communities achieving equity through the removal of barriers and on transforming power relations among individuals, communities, and institutions. Thus, rather than an externally imposed action, it is a participatory, enabling process through which individuals and/or communities' express agency and take control of their lives and environments. iDARE catalyzes locally led community program design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning. Furthermore, it allows for the identification and leveraging of existing resources, including but not limited to human resources, financial (donor, community, and or host country government), partnerships, and ongoing development efforts."