Inequitable gender norms and its associated factors among university students in southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study, 2022
Outcomes: Gender‑Based Violence, Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Inequitable gender norms remain widely endorsed among university students in southern Ethiopia and are strongly shaped by gender socialization processes, particularly among men. These norms normalize male dominance, women’s subservience, and acceptance of gender-based violence, with implications for sexual and reproductive health, access to services, and broader gender inequality. Importantly, attitudes toward gender equality are a key driver—students with poorer gender-equitable attitudes are significantly more likely to endorse inequitable norms, highlighting that shifting attitudes is central to transforming norms.
Objectives The study aimed to assess the prevalence of inequitable gender norms among university students in southern Ethiopia and identify factors associated with these attitudes.
Methods This institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 635 students from Arba Minch and Jinka Universities using multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected via structured self-administered questionnaires. Gender norms were measured using the 24-item Gender Equitable Men (GEM) Scale, alongside measures of gender equality attitudes, childhood experiences, and socio-demographic factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS with binary and multivariable logistic regression to identify associated factors.
Results Approximately 44.1% of students held inequitable gender norms. Male students were significantly more likely to endorse inequitable norms than females (AOR=1.75), as were those who had experienced a romantic relationship breakup (AOR=2.10) and those with poor gender equality attitudes (AOR=3.14). High levels of endorsement were observed across domains such as domestic roles, sexuality, and violence—for example, many students agreed that women should obey husbands or tolerate violence to maintain family unity.
Conclusions A substantial proportion of university students continue to support inequitable gender norms, which are linked to harmful health and social outcomes, including gender-based violence and poor reproductive health. Addressing these norms requires targeted interventions—particularly within university settings—that promote gender-equitable attitudes, challenge harmful beliefs, and engage male students as key actors in norm change.
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