Qualitative Assessment of Transformative Change in Lives of SGBV Survivors: Evidence from the Most Significant Change Stories’ Technique

Abstract

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a widespread human rights issue impacting over one-third of women globally, with significant health, social, and economic consequences for survivors. In Kenya, various intervention programs aim to support SGBV survivors by providing counselling, medical and legal assistance, economic empowerment, and capacity-building initiatives. However, there is limited focus on how these interventions drive transformative change, helping survivors rebuild and achieve self-realisation beyond recovery. This study employed the Most Significant Change Technique (MSCT), a qualitative approach to capture the personal experiences and impacts of SGBV intervention programs on survivors. Data was collected from two Kenyan facilities: a Gender-Based Violence and Recovery Centre (GBVRC) in Makueni County and the Life Bloom Services International (LBSI) Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration Program (RRRP) in Naivasha. Findings reveal that these programs foster critical personal transformations in survivors, enhancing self-discovery, resilience, independence, and socio-economic empowerment. The study advocates for expanding the capacity of RRRPs to provide holistic, multi-dimensional support to meet both practical and strategic needs, facilitating survivors' comprehensive recovery and long-term empowerment.