Drawing on diverse partnerships to identify, address, and measure context-specific gender norms: a case study from REAL Fathers Uganda
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The REAL Fathers case study demonstrates that gender norms should be identified and addressed as specific, locally grounded expectations rather than broad concepts of masculinity or gender inequality. Participatory research revealed meaningful regional differences in how norms are enforced, underscoring the importance of community involvement, local partnerships, and attention to reference […]
What drives adolescent girls and young women’s decisions to persist on PrEP? Results of a comparative qualitative study from a DREAMS program in western Kenya.
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Social support and perceived norms strongly shaped whether adolescent girls and young women persisted with pre-exposure prophylaxis. The discussion emphasizes that pervasive community stigma—particularly the misconception that pre-exposure prophylaxis users have HIV—can undermine persistence, while support from family and friends can counteract stigma and even compensate for unsupportive romantic partners. Programs […]
Evaluating the Impact of the “Gender Equity Movement in Schools” (GEMS) Intervention on Gender Knowledge and Attitudes Among Male Adolescents in Bangladesh: A Mixed-Methods Cross-Sectional Study.
Key Social Norms Takeaways: Gender norms among adolescent boys are shaped by a complex interplay of school-based interventions, family environments, peer influence, and media exposure. While structured programs like GEMS can challenge inequitable norms, deeply embedded social norms—especially those reinforced within households—can limit attitudinal change. Norm change is gradual and requires consistent exposure, reflection, and […]
Impact of a multilevel HIV prevention programme on adolescent girls and young women’s empowerment for risk reduction: A mixed methods evaluation in Kenya
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The study shows that gender norms are central to HIV risk and to the DREAMS theory of change, particularly norms around male authority, female submissiveness, stigma toward girls’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service use, and acceptance of violence. While DREAMS contributed to changes in girls’ confidence, aspirations, and peer support, […]
Socio-cultural context of adolescent sexuality and youth friendly service intervention in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study reveals that entrenched socio-cultural and religious norms in Northwest Ethiopia strongly disapprove of premarital sex, discourage adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service use, and inhibit open communication about sexuality between adolescents and adults. While the study does not use formal social norms theory or measurements (e.g., injunctive or […]
Exploring intersections of localised gender norms and unanticipated effects of a sexual and reproductive health intervention: implications of respect and being a ‘good girl’ in Zambézia Province, Mozambique
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study shows that deeply held gender norms about being a “good girl” — including deference, modesty, and sexual restraint — strongly shaped how a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) intervention was perceived in rural Mozambique. While the Women First program aimed to empower girls, it unintentionally reinforced local expectations of […]
Shifting gender norms to improve HIV service uptake: Qualitative findings from a large-scale community mobilization intervention in rural South Africa
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Social norms around HIV testing and treatment—particularly those tied to stigma, secrecy, and gendered power—are significant barriers to service uptake for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa. The Tsima intervention showed that transforming these norms—by promoting open communication, supportive male involvement, and reframing testing as a collective responsibility—can […]
Gaining traction: Promising shifts in gender norms and intimate partner violence in the context of a community-based HIV prevention trial in South Africa
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study demonstrates that community mobilization efforts that target harmful gender norms—such as male dominance, IPV tolerance, and communication taboos—can lead to measurable shifts in attitudes, behaviors, and relationship dynamics. Norms change was facilitated by improved access to gender-equitable messages through media, and greater openness in couple communication, helping to reshape […]
Projet Tékponon Jikuagou: Experiences and Effects of Using NGO Platforms to Scale-Up the TJ Social Network Package
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The Tékponon Jikuagou (TJ) project demonstrates that addressing unmet need for family planning (FP) through social network diffusion can effectively shift deeply rooted gender and social norms. Integrating participatory dialogue and reflection into existing development projects enabled changes in attitudes, behaviors, and community expectations around FP. The approach fostered individual and […]
Effectiveness of Community Dialogue in Changing Gender and Sexual Norms for HIV Prevention: Evaluation of the Tchova Tchova Program in Mozambique
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Social norms—especially injunctive norms around gender and relationship dynamics—significantly influence attitudes and behaviors related to gender equity and HIV prevention. The study finds that exposure to a dialogue-based communication intervention can shift these norms by increasing interpersonal communication and changing what participants perceive others approve or expect. The results highlight the […]