Empowered Worldview technical brief

In partnership with ODI, we evaluated our faith-based behavior change approach, Empowered Worldview (EWV), which aims to shift dependency mindsets and promote economic empowerment. To address gaps in evidence, we developed a conceptual framework and tested it in Zambia through the THRIVE program, which integrates EWV with savings, farming, and disaster risk reduction. The framework identifies three levels of empowerment — internal, localized, and structural — addressed through workshops focused on identity, vision, relationships, and faith. Findings show a positive association between EWV and improved well-being, resilience, and economic outcomes. By using a mixed-methods approach and tools from multiple disciplines, the study also captured meaningful psychosocial and relational changes, offering broader insights for the design of faith-based development programs.