A Dynamic Collaborative of Leaders
who are shaping adolescent gender norms in and through education
By bringing together organizations with a track record of developing effective gender norms programming in historically low- and middle-income countries, we are building a movement to bring more gender-equitable norms into the education system so that more and more adolescents can embrace gender equality.
Reaching Young People at a Pivotal Time
Adolescence is a crucial time when attitudes about gender take root. Engaging in explicit discussions about gender and power with youth in schools is a proven way to:
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Improve gender-based attitudes and behaviors
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Decrease tolerance for violent behavior among teachers and students
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Reduce school dropout rates for youth
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Delay the age of marriage
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Enhance inter-gender communication among students
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Improve the equitable sharing of chores at school and at home
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Create a safe school environment
Proven Practices to Advance Gender Equality
We focus on deepening and disseminating evidence-based educational models that effectively shift gender norms in adolescence.
​Working with youth in schools allows for facilitated discussions about gender and power, and supports young people in making choices and taking actions that positively shape their identity, beliefs and behaviors. Schools are a critical space where gender-equitable and inclusive values can be nurtured among students.
Harmful gender norms put youth, particularly girls, at risk of dropping out of school, marrying early, and being susceptible to gender-based violence and other negative life outcomes.
Shifting these norms promotes gender equality and provides all adolescents with greater opportunity to make choices aligned with their aspirations and identities.
We believe:
• concentrated effort,
• strong leadership, and
• dedicated resources
will help to demonstrate and spread high-potential pathways to ending harmful gender norms.
​Through this work, we are catalyzing a generational shift toward gender-equitable values.
What Are Gender Norms?
Gender norms are the shared expectations and unwritten rules that guide how individuals are expected to behave, interact, and contribute within their families, communities, and workplaces based on their gender. These norms are shaped by various historical and sociocultural contexts and can become ingrained in institutions. Since they confine people to specific roles, gender norms can limit individual choices, opportunities, and personal expression. Questioning these norms among adolescents fosters gender equality and offers all adolescents increased chances to make informed decisions that reflect their aspirations and potential.
Funded by Echidna Giving
We are solely funded by Echidna Giving, a private funder supporting gender equality in and through education in historically lower-income countries. Echidna Giving works to deliver the promise of girls’ education — a promise that depends on schooling to advance gender equality. By supporting this collaboration, Echidna Giving seeks to accelerate progress against this promise.
