This brief presents the findings of an evidence gap map that identifies the evidence on the effects of interventions that seek to improve state-society relations. An increasing number of systematic reviews and impact evaluations addressing this topic have been published in recent years. However, clear gaps remain.

This brief is based on a 3ie working paper that reviewed 56 impact evaluations and used positive deviance analysis to identify factors associated with successful advocacy programmes. It also summarises the paper’s findings on challenges related to evaluating advocacy and offers pointers for identifying suitable methods.

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) has negative health consequences for women, ranging from pain, bleeding, and shock due to chronic infections. Around 140 million girls and women live with the risks caused by FGM/C, of which 92 million girls and women are in Africa.

The relationship between social cohesion and a range of social, economic and political developments outcomes have received increased attention in recent decades.

Safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) behaviours, such as treating drinking water, washing hands at key times or using a latrine rather than defecating in open spaces, are cornerstones of building strong, healthy communities and reducing mortality due to diarrhoea and other preventable diseases. Many studies have shown the health benefits of WASH, and factors that affect initial adoption of short-term WASH use. Few have assessed the determinants of long-term, sustained WASH practice.