Elizabeth Reed

Examines Empowerment of Sex workers To Increase social and economic Mobility (ESTIMA), a gender-transformative microfinance program aimed at reducing HIV-related economic and social risks among female sex workers in Tijuana, Mexico. Findings show that the intervention was more successful when loans were given individually rather than through group liability, and when small, trusted groups of 3–5 women met regularly.

Examines how food insecurity, as a measure of economic vulnerability, relates to sexual risk behaviors linked to adolescent pregnancy among adolescent females from low-income Southern California schools. Finds that adolescents facing food insecurity were more likely to report earlier sexual initiation, lower condom use, and greater financial dependence on male partners.

Explores how economic hardship and substance use interact to influence HIV/STI risk among female sex workers in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Findings suggest that economic hardship influences the association between substance use and increased risk for HIV/STI among female sex workers; however, these associations may be more complex than previously hypothesized.

Examines how witnessing sexual harassment affects the mental health and substance use of adolescent girls. Findings suggest that, in addition to direct experiences of sexual harassment, indirect experiences of witnessing the sexual harassment of others may also be associated with negative outcomes regarding girls’ health and well-being.

Provides an overview of women’s economic empowerment programs and presents research related to the effect of these programs on sexual and reproductive health outcomes among women and girls. Findings highlight that changes at the structural level (i.e., addressing economic vulnerability) can improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes among women and girls, often without directly promoting specific health behaviors.