Key Social Norms Takeaways Social norms embedded in multigenerational households—particularly hierarchical gender norms granting authority to mothers-in-law and husbands—play a central role in shaping women’s autonomy, exposure to IPV, and mental health. The intervention demonstrates that shifting intra-family norms around communication, respect, decision-making, and women’s mobility can reduce violence and improve well-being. Importantly, norms change through relational processes (e.g., empathy, dialogue), but deeply entrenched hierarchies persist, requiring sustained reinforcement.
Objectives The study aimed to explore daughters-in-law’s (DILs) perceptions and experiences of the MILAP intervention and to understand how changes in family dynamics and gender norms influence intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health outcomes in Nepal.
Methods This qualitative study used serial in-depth interviews with purposively selected family triads (DIL, mother-in-law, husband) from a pilot intervention involving 61 families. Interviews were conducted post-intervention and at 6-month follow-up and analyzed using thematic analysis. Social norms were examined indirectly through reported changes in family relationships, power dynamics, gender roles, and decision-making practices within households.
Intervention Details MILAP is a multi-component, family-based intervention consisting of nine weekly sessions involving DILs, husbands, and mothers-in-law. It uses participatory methods (e.g., storytelling, role-play, discussion) to address harmful gender norms, improve communication, and build empathy. Components include mother-in-law/daughter-in-law sessions, behavioral activation for mental health, couples therapy, and a final triadic session. The intervention explicitly targets social norms around gender roles, authority, and mobility while promoting shared decision-making and supportive relationships.
Results Four key themes emerged: improved family communication (especially active listening), increased DIL empowerment and participation in decision-making, enhanced relationship quality (including spousal and MIL-DIL relationships), and greater freedom of movement. These changes reflect shifts toward more equitable gender norms and reduced IPV. However, some participants reported partial or temporary change, indicating persistent normative constraints and variability in uptake.
Conclusions The study concludes that family-based interventions addressing social norms at the household level can effectively improve relationship dynamics, reduce IPV risk, and enhance women’s mental health. However, long-term change requires sustained engagement, as entrenched gender norms and power hierarchies are slow to shift. The findings highlight the importance of targeting relational and normative structures—not just individuals—to achieve meaningful and lasting change.