This report shares findings from International Alert’s research in Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, and the Philippines, which found that peacebuilding was compromised by restrictive patriarchal understandings of gender roles. Each of these countries has developed national action plans on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, yet each has struggled to promote meaningful and sustainable gender equality due to lack of programming that transforms discriminatory gender norms.

Traditional gender norms in Nepal contribute to a lack of opportunity for women and girls and limit their access to reproductive health services. Early adolescence provides a key opportunity to shift these harmful norms. The results of this study suggest that family- and community-based interventions can be effective at improving gender equity among very young adolescents.

ALIGN seeks to advance understanding and challenge and change harmful gender norms by connecting a global community of researchers and thought leaders committed to equality for adolescents and young adults. Through the sharing of information and the facilitation of mutual learning, ALIGN aims to ensure knowledge on norm change contributes to sustainable gender justice.

Lori Rolleri, MSW, MPH, is principal of Lori Rolleri Consulting, an independent public health consulting practice. In this blog Lori tackles the obstacle gender norms play in everyday life and international development programming.