A program to reduce violence against girls in Pakistan through life skills education

Mainstreaming a Life Skills Education Programme Right to Play- Plus to Reduce Violence Against Girls in Pakistan

Not applicable Interventional Aga Khan University · NCT06777849

This study is testing a program that teaches life skills to students in Pakistan to help reduce violence against girls by changing harmful social norms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3000 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorAga Khan University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Karachi, Sindh and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06777849 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This initiative, known as Right to Play-Plus (RTP-Plus), aims to combat violence against women and girls by fostering changes in social norms among youth in schools. It utilizes a play-based learning methodology combined with a Life Skills Based Education curriculum to empower students to identify and prevent harmful gender norms. The program involves training teachers as key influencers and peer educators to effectively deliver a gender-transformative curriculum. The focus is on enhancing teachers' knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights while promoting a safe and supportive school environment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are schools in District Malir and adjacent areas with a commitment to improving gender norms and student safety.

Not a fit: Schools that do not have the capacity or willingness to implement child protection measures and adapt to the program's requirements may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce violence against girls and improve gender equity in educational settings.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar educational interventions aimed at reducing gender-based violence and promoting resilience among youth.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Schools will be chosen from District Malir and adjacent areas, including Korangi and East Karachi. Among the 100 selected schools, the following distribution will be maintained: 40 girls-only schools (public), 40 co-ed schools (private), and 20 boys-only schools (public).
* Schools having a minimum of 30 students enrolled in grade 6
* Private schools with low to medium fees, with monthly amounts ranging from PKR 2000 to 3500.
* Factors such as teacher availability, school management support, accessibility to research and intervention partners, and school clustering will also be considered for the selection of these hundred schools.
* Schools' willingness to adapt child protection and safeguarding/anti-harassment administrative measures and policies to improve school safety, reduce the use of corporal punishment, enhance school performance, and increase girls' retention rates, primarily apply to private schools.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Schools where Right to Play or Aahung have already implemented their play-based/other activities.

Where this trial is running

Karachi, Sindh and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mental HealthGender Based ViolenceResilienceGender EquitySexual and Reproductive Health and RightsGBVadolescent healthplay-based life skills
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.