Engaging Parents in Sexual and Reproductive Health: Programs for Very Young Adolescents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Engaging parents and other caregivers to create a supportive environment is a key component of successful very young adolescent (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 wellbeing 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 and to achieve the positive social change they seek.

This document shares key learnings from a human-centered design process with VYAs in the DRC and 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.