Center for Effective Global Action

We study the impact of a graduation program for ultra-poor women in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a war-torn area. 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 and an internal rate of return of 19.9 percent. 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. 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.