Key Social Norms Takeaways Deeply entrenched patriarchal social norms in Southern Uganda—reinforced through family systems, cultural expectations, and institutional practices—systematically restrict young women’s access to assets and decision-making power. Norms positioning women as dependent “guests” in their husbands’ homes and prioritizing men as providers and decision-makers shape both structural opportunities and individual agency. Critically, the discussion highlights that these norms operate across multiple levels (household, community, and institutions), meaning that meaningful change requires transforming both social expectations and resource distribution simultaneously.

Objectives The study aimed to explore barriers to asset development and decision-making autonomy among adolescent girls transitioning into young women in Southern Uganda, incorporating both female and male perspectives to better understand how gender norms and power structures shape these outcomes.

Methods This qualitative study, nested within the Bridges R2 longitudinal study, used in-depth semi-structured interviews with 53 young women and men. Thematic analysis was guided by Connell’s Theory of Gender and Power and Kabeer’s Empowerment Framework. Social norms were examined through participants’ narratives about gender roles, societal expectations, household decision-making, mobility, and parental beliefs. These frameworks enabled analysis of how norms influence the division of labor, power, access to resources, and individual agency.

Results Five key themes emerged: societal expectations, restricted mobility, early pregnancy and marriage, parental perceptions, and individual factors. Gender norms positioned women primarily as caregivers and men as decision-makers, limiting women’s economic participation and autonomy. Mobility restrictions and caregiving burdens constrained access to employment and asset accumulation. Early pregnancy and marriage disrupted education and reinforced dependence on male partners. Parental norms favored boys’ education and inheritance, further restricting girls’ long-term opportunities. While some young women demonstrated agency and aspirations, internalized norms and structural barriers often limited their ability to act on these goals.

Conclusions The study concludes that gender inequality in asset ownership and decision-making is sustained by interconnected social norms embedded in cultural, familial, and institutional systems. Addressing these disparities requires multi-level interventions that challenge discriminatory norms, expand equitable access to education and assets, and engage men and community leaders in norm change. Structural reforms—particularly around inheritance rights and gendered expectations—are essential to enhancing young women’s agency and enabling meaningful participation in economic and household decision-making.