NMNW has eight published papers in major scientific journals in collaboration with leading researchers at Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Two of the studies are randomized control trials.

NMNW has also been featured in two landmark literature reviews. Read articles below.

PUBLISHED PAPERS FEATURING RESULTS FROM NO MEANS NO PROGRAMMING

Published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence (2021)

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 6-session (12-hour) empowerment self-defense classroom-delivered curriculum (i.e., IMpower), implemented by No Means No Worldwide, among middle and high school girls on an American Indian Reservation in the Great Plains region of the United States. Girls who received the intervention were compared to a comparison group of peers who did not. Girls exposed to the IMpower program implemented by No Means No reported significant increases over time in efficacy to resist a sexual assault and knowledge of effective resistance strategies. Furthermore, propensity score analyses suggested that girls who received the program reported significantly fewer types of sexual assault and sexual harassment at follow-up compared to girls in the control condition. These data suggest that empowerment self-defense is a promising approach in preventing sexual assault and sexual harassment among American Indian girls.

Published in the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse (2020)

Using a non-randomized, single-arm pilot trial methodology, this study assessed the preliminary acceptability and efficacy of the IMpower program implemented by No Means No Worldwide with 4th and 5th grade children on an American Indian Reservation in the Great Plains region of the United States. The study found that some domains of children’s knowledge of child sexual abuse (CSA) as well as their efficacy to resist an attack increased from pre- to post-test. Moreover, 83% of children reported that they liked the program, and 96% of children reported that the program helped keep them safe.

Published by What Works to Prevent Violence Among Women and Girls Global Programme, Pretoria, South Africa (2020)

A rigorous global evidence review of interventions to prevent violence against women and girls, funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), which evaluated 16 violence against women and girls prevention interventions in 14 sub-Saharan African, Asian and Middle Eastern contexts, over six years (2014–2019).

Published in BMC Public Health (2018)

This cluster-randomized controlled trial studied the effect of a standardized ESD program (IMpower) on sexual violence outcomes among primary and secondary school girls in three districts of Malawi. Results support the effectiveness of the intervention to reduce sexual violence victimization, and approach the elimination of violence against women and girls set forth with Sustainable Development Goal #5.

Published in Prevention Science (2016)

This cluster-randomized, matched-pairs, parallel trial of a behavior-based sexual assault prevention intervention in informal settlements of Kenya evaluated the impact on girls experience of sexual assault. Findings show "significant reduction in the rate of sexual assault among girls in this population." 

Published in Health Education & Behavior (2016)

This study evaluates the effect of behavioral, empowerment-focused interventions on the incidence of pregnancy-related school dropout among girls in Nairobi’s informal settlements. Analysis reveals that pregnancy-related school dropout decreased by 46%.

Published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence (2015)

This study evaluates boys' attitudes and behaviors towards girls and women. Evidence shows both improved significantly after receiving NMNW programming and were sustained one year later. Specifically, 74% of boys who witnessed sexual assault successfully intervened to stop it. 

Published in the Pediatrics Journal (2014)

This study evaluated an empowerment and self-defense training intervention for adolescent girls in the African context. This intervention proved highly effective at preventing sexual assault and should be replicable in other countries in sub-Saharan Africa and around the world.

Published in the Journal of Adolescent Health (2013)

A standardized six-week empowerment defense program is effective in reducing the incidence of sexual assault in slum-dwelling high school girls in Nairobi, Kenya.

LITERATURE REVIEWS HIGHLIGHTING EFFECTIVENESS OF NO MEANS NO PROGRAMMING

Published in Big Win Philanthropy (2018)

Published in The Lancet (2015)