In spite of their promise, there is limited evidence that mobile-phone-based adolescent girls ‘safe
space’ and sexual and reproductive health interventions have improved wellbeing and health outcomes
in developing countries. The existing causal evidence on mHealth programs for women and girls has
focused on text message or interactive voice response programs, and often shows limited impact, or
even negative effects (Zurovac et al., 2011; Jamison et al, 2013, L’Engle et al., 2016; Iribarren et al.,
2017; Berendes et al., 2021). We study, using a randomised controlled trial, the effect of a weekly SMS
and phone-call-based ‘safe space’ or big brothers/big sisters-type program. It provided adolescents
with information about HIV risk and sexual and reproductive health and support services. Over 1,200
adolescents in Botswana were randomly assigned to control or treatment groups during COVID-19
school disruptions. Using school administrative data, we find that the program reduced school
dropouts and pregnancy six months after program end. Using phone surveys, we also find that the
program increased adolescents’ knowledge, willingness to disclose sensitive experiences including
gender-based violence, and improved intended health behaviors and girls’ self-reported empowerment.
