Adolescent Girls’ Agency Significantly Correlates With Favorable Social Norms in Ethiopia-Implications for Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health of Young Adolescents.
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study finds that favorable social norms—especially descriptive and injunctive norms around early marriage—are significantly associated with greater agency among adolescent girls in Ethiopia. While norms supporting girls’ education and nutrition showed mixed associations, those related to early marriage had the strongest positive correlation with agency. However, agency domains related to […]
A Spatial Analysis of the Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting among 0–14-Year-Old Girls in Kenya
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study provides robust evidence that social, moral, and religious norms at the community level are powerful drivers of FGM/C among girls aged 0–14 in Kenya. A mother’s circumcision status, support for continuation of the practice, and belief in its religious necessity are closely linked to her daughter’s risk of being […]
‘You have a child who will call you “mama”’: Understanding Adolescent Pregnancy in South Sudan
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Social norms in South Sudan deeply value motherhood as a marker of adulthood and worth, shaping girls’ choices and aspirations. Effective interventions must go beyond preventing adolescent pregnancy to challenge the underlying social and gender norms, create supportive environments, and offer alternative pathways for girls to achieve respect, security, and fulfillment […]
“He is suitable for her, of course he is our relative”: a qualitative exploration of the drivers and implications of child marriage in Gezira State
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Child marriage in this context is upheld by deeply rooted beliefs about gender, honour, and religion. Real change will require engaging religious leaders, men, and entire communities to challenge the idea that girls’ futures are determined by others. Programs must prioritize girls’ voices and promote their right to make informed choices […]
Child marriage in Ghana: evidence from a multi-media study
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Social norms play a critical role in sustaining child marriage in Ghana. Norms around female sexuality, family honor, and economic survival reinforce early marriage. Practices such as betrothal, exchange of girls, and pressure from elders and peers reflect deeply entrenched beliefs about girls’ roles and value. Interventions must focus on norm […]