social norms

Improving menstrual hygiene in low-income settings requires more than just access to products—it demands tackling stigma and restrictive social norms that threaten women's health and economic opportunity.

Can an intermediate, less severe action serve as a stepping stone to eliminating a harmful norm? Research on female genital cutting in Somalia suggests that the intermediate action risks becoming the new norm.

What factors underlie the persistently low labour force participation rates of Indian women?

Childcare responsibilities fall disproportionately on women, causing them to leave the labour market after grandmothers pass away

Text-based behavioural messaging can reduce delinquency, with the most effective messages either referencing social norms, or sent to individuals with higher socioeconomic status or higher credit scores

Changing the attitudes and behaviours of those enforcing restrictive societal norms is critical for achieving meaningful improvements in women’s wellbeing

School-based life skills classes can change attitudes, strengthen social connections, and help girls assert more control over their lives while staying in school

How can policymakers ensure high take-up rates for programmes designed to increase women’s economic empowerment?

Most Saudi men think that women should be allowed to work but are unaware that others share this view, so often don’t support their wife taking a job