Shruti presented research on a 2017 program that distributed bicycles to adolescent girls in rural Zambia. Five years on, the study finds that while the intervention improved girls’ mobility and empowerment, it also led to higher rates of adolescent motherhood, with no significant improvements in maternal or child health outcomes. The findings underscore the need to link empowerment initiatives with comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.

Manzura presented a systematic review and meta-analysis of 78 studies across 55 low- and middle-income countries. The research finds evidence of gender discrimination against girls in early childcare practices, particularly in breastfeeding and immunisation, with links to broader gender inequality. While healthcare spending showed no significant gender differences, the study highlights persistent barriers to equitable health outcomes and the need for stronger policies to address them.