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Multifaceted programs targeting women in fragile settings: Evidence from the Democratic Republic of Congo

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  • Angelucci, Manuela
  • Heath, Rachel
  • Noble, Eva

Abstract

We study the impact of a multifaceted program for ultra-poor women in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We cross-randomized the primary treatment – a holistic set of services and financial support – with a 16-week men’s engagement program (MEP) for spouses and male household members. The core treatment has large effects on consumption, employment and finances, women’s empowerment, and health, with most effects still significant two years after the program start. We find heterogeneous effects on intimate partner violence, which decreased for women at high risk of violence but increased for women at low risk. The MEP yields no lasting additional impacts for women. Multifaceted programs targeting women can be an effective way to lift people out of poverty and increase women’s empowerment, although care is needed to minimize backlash.

Suggested Citation

  • Angelucci, Manuela & Heath, Rachel & Noble, Eva, 2023. "Multifaceted programs targeting women in fragile settings: Evidence from the Democratic Republic of Congo," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:164:y:2023:i:c:s0304387823001013
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2023.103146
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Poverty; Women’s empowerment; Financial inclusion; Fragile and conflict-affected areas;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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