Gender norms, poverty and armed conflict in Cote D’Ivoire: engaging men in womens social and economic empowerment programming
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The study underscores that addressing social norms about masculinity, power, and gender roles is crucial when designing interventions to reduce IPV. In contexts where men’s sense of identity is tightly linked to their economic role, programs must thoughtfully challenge inequitable norms while supporting men and women together. Combining economic empowerment with […]
Redefining Norms to Empower Women: Experiences and Lessons Learned
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study highlights how challenging entrenched social norms around male aggression in intimate relationships requires not only community visibility but also strategies that shift both multiple types of norms. While the use of physical and verbal aggression remained prevalent in Sri Lanka’s plantation communities, early signs of weakening norms—particularly those related […]
Provide care for everyone please’: engaging community leaders as sexual and reproductive health advocates in North and South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study highlights the powerful role that community leaders play in reinforcing or challenging social norms around contraception, abortion, and post-abortion care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Leaders upheld strong negative attitudes and stigmatizing beliefs about induced abortion, shaped by cultural, religious, and legal norms. However, they also saw […]
Effect of a gender-synchronized family planning intervention on inequitable gender norms in a cluster randomized control trial among husbands of married adolescent girls in Dosso, Niger
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study provides rare causal evidence that social norms around gender inequity can be shifted through a simple, scalable intervention. Small group discussions facilitated by community health workers created a space for men to reflect on and challenge harmful gender norms. The findings reinforce that changing social norms, requires peer engagement […]
Mediating effects of inequitable gender norms on intimate partner violence and contraceptive use in a cluster randomized control trial in Niger: A causal inference mediation analysis
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study provides experimental evidence that changes in perceived inequitable gender norms among men can partially explain reductions in intimate partner violence. However, it also shows that such norms may hinder improvements in contraceptive use if not addressed. Social norms, particularly men’s perceptions of what their peers believe about gender roles, […]
Effects of the reaching married adolescents program on modern contraceptive use and intimate partner violence: results of a cluster randomized controlled trial among married adolescent girls and their husbands in Dosso, Niger
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study shows that changing gender norms requires different strategies depending on the outcome of interest. Household visits increased contraceptive use, likely by addressing misinformation and providing private support, while small group sessions were more effective in reducing intimate partner violence by creating space for critical reflection on shared gender norms. […]
Prévenir les mariages précoces et forcés au Bénin (PROJEUNES)
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The PROJEUNES (Preventing early and forced marriage in Benin) project demonstrated that addressing early and forced marriage (EFM) in Benin requires shifting deeply entrenched social norms that define girls’ value in terms of marriageability and fertility. The project successfully fostered critical reflection among youth and community actors, challenging beliefs that favor […]
Gender Norms, Violence and Adolescent girls’ Trajectories: Evidence from a Field Experiment in India
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study underscores the central role of social norms linked to gender roles, marriage, and family honor in shaping adolescent girls’ agency and decision-making in rural West Bengal. Norms that prioritize early marriage, family reputation, and male authority constrain girls’ autonomy, particularly around education, mobility, and sexuality. Shifting these norms requires […]
Contesting restrictive mobility norms among female mentors implementing a sport-based programme for young girls in a Mumbai slum
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study shows that even in highly restrictive settings, collective action and community-rooted programming can empower young women to challenge entrenched gender norms—especially those limiting female mobility and public visibility. The mentors in this program strategically negotiated their participation in public life, gradually shifting their families’ and communities’ perceptions. The social […]
Impact of an Empowerment and Employability Program for Adolescent Girls: Evidence From India
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The study highlights how early adolescence presents a critical opportunity to shift gender attitudes and build self-efficacy among girls in India, where restrictive social norms around mobility, education, and employment often limit girls’ potential. The findings show that when girls are equipped with life and employability skills—and when communities, schools, and […]