Exploring gender stereotypes and norms among peri-urban very young adolescents in Zimbabwe using participatory and qualitative approaches
Outcomes: Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Gender norms among very young adolescents (VYAs) in peri-urban Zimbabwe are deeply embedded yet contested, shaping sexual behavior, resource allocation, and gendered expectations from an early age. Harmful norms—such as acceptance of boys’ sexual dominance, stigma around menstruation, and prioritization of boys’ education—are reinforced by families and communities, but adolescents themselves sometimes question and resist these norms, highlighting a critical window for early, gender-transformative interventions targeting both youth and their broader social environments.
Objectives The study aimed to identify and prioritize key gender stereotypes and social norms influencing VYAs (ages 10–14) in Zimbabwe to inform the co-development of a gender-transformative intervention promoting positive masculinities and improved sexual and reproductive health (SRH).
Methods This formative qualitative study used participatory workshops with VYAs, alongside focus group discussions with older adolescents and parents/guardians, and in-depth interviews with community stakeholders. Activities included role plays, daily activity charts, and debates to elicit norms. Data were analyzed using interpretive thematic analysis, with triangulation across methods and a stakeholder validation workshop to refine findings and inform intervention design.
Results The study identified pervasive gender norms across multiple domains. Boys’ multiple sexual partnerships and lack of sexual control were widely normalized, while girls faced strict expectations of sexual passivity and stigma for deviating from these norms. Menstrual stigma and misconceptions were common and contributed to girls’ social exclusion, including school absenteeism. Gender norms also shaped inequitable resource allocation, with many participants favoring boys’ education over girls’, and reinforced unequal household labor burdens, with girls performing more domestic work and having less leisure time (as illustrated in daily activity charts on page 6). Norms around alcohol and substance use were more permissive for boys, while girls who engaged in such behaviors were stigmatized. Importantly, some adolescents expressed disapproval of these norms, indicating potential openness to change.
Conclusions Gender stereotypes and norms strongly influence adolescents’ behaviors and opportunities, particularly in SRH and gender equality domains. While these norms are deeply entrenched and reinforced through community structures, early adolescence presents a critical opportunity for intervention before norms solidify. Effective gender-transformative approaches must engage not only adolescents but also families and community influencers, using multi-level strategies to shift harmful norms and promote more equitable gender relations.
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