Peer-reviewed article

Evaluation of Girls Invest, an economic empowerment intervention to address social and economic risks associated with intimate partner violence among adolescent girls in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Fawole OI, Okedare OO, Salawu MM, Kiene SM, Lundgren R et al. · 24 Feb 2026

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence and associated negative consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV) (23–49%) against girls has been well-documented in Nigeria. This study evaluated Girls Invest, an app-based economic empowerment intervention, to address social and economic factors associated with IPV among girls ages 15–19 in low-income communities in Ibadan, Nigeria. Satisfaction, acceptability, and feasibility of the intervention were also assessed. METHODS: We conducted a 2-armed randomized-controlled trial (16 schools, 8 schools per arm) among girls ages 15–19 (n = 258) to compare the Girls Invest intervention to a wait-list control condition on social and economic risk factors associated with IPV. Quantitative analyses compared survey data at baseline and 6 months follow-up using a difference-in-differences approach. Five focus groups were also conducted among a subset of participants (n = 62) after completing the intervention; focus group data were analyzed and independently coded by two researchers for themes related to participants’ satisfaction, acceptability, and impact on economic and social factors associated with IPV. RESULTS: Participants averaged 16 years old, were predominantly from the Yoruba tribe, and most reported Islam as their religion. Participants reported high levels of acceptability and satisfaction with the app-based intervention. Survey findings indicate statistically significant improvements in gender equitable attitudes (p = 0.02) and non-significant trends toward reduced endorsement of traditional gender roles (p = 0.07) and decreased perception of economic vulnerability (p = 0.20) among Girls Invest participants relative to the waitlist control group. These survey findings were further substantiated by focus group findings with the following themes reported: 1) satisfaction with the app-based platform and financial incentives, 2) greater awareness of issues regarding gender equity and women’s rights, 3) increased awareness of healthy versus unhealthy relationship behaviors, 4) increased knowledge and confidence regarding financial decision-making, and 5) improved expectations for the future regarding vocational opportunities. Notably, participants reported discussing topics they learned with friends and siblings. CONCLUSIONS: While a full-scale trial is needed, our findings suggest that Girls Invest holds promise in mitigating social and economic factors associated with IPV. Given the increasing use of smartphones in Nigeria and globally, mobile technology may be a useful platform to support scalability and is lower in cost compared to traditional in-person approaches. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trials unique ID: NCT06942481 (Retrospective registration: 4/9/2025). Data available upon request; study ongoing.