This Social Norms Diagnostic Tool is a feminist, participatory research approach designed to help programme teams identify and discuss social norms, perceptions and expectations that shape, constrain or promote gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV); child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM); and women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) within their contexts, and to develop initial ideas for change strategies.

“Want to challenge and transform discriminatory social norms? Us too! We understand the complexities involved in transformative work, and that’s why we want to highlight this Social Norms Diagnostic Tool developed by Anam Parvez Butt, Kristine Valerio, and Imogen Davies. It’s an actionable guide organised into a 2-3 day participatory workshop with activities designed to foster deep discussions and strategies for impact.”

Key Highlights of the Tool:

🌟 The tool is centred around a series of participatory exercises that involve community members as active participants and change agents. Techniques such as Theatre of the Oppressed are used to engage participants in identifying problems and devising their own solutions effectively.

🌟 Through its structured workshop format, the tool addresses crucial issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), intimate partner violence (IPV), child marriage, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). It aims to catalyse initial ideas for strategies that can lead to substantive societal change.

🌟 Separate sessions for different community groups, including duty bearers and influencers, ensure that power inequalities are addressed in a constructive environment. This approach is critical for creating tailored interventions that consider the unique needs and dynamics of different stakeholder groups.

Read the full guide here.