Programmatic norms change to eliminate violence against children: Insights for practitioners and researchers from a UNICEF global mapping study

ABSTRACT

Interest in gender norms is rising within the field of global health and among its funders. With more resources available for norms change work, international institutions seek to develop thoughtful strategic and programmatic responses to a variety of issues, including violence against children. Yet changing deeply rooted gender norms requires sensitivity to local context. This can present a challenge for mid- to large sized organisations, as well as funders, who are typically required to develop strategies that encompass multiple contexts. This paper presents practical lessons learned from a mapping study of UNICEF’s existing work to change discriminatory gender norms. As the world’s leading children’s rights organisation, preventing violence against children (0–9) and adolescents (ages 10–19) is a key component of UNICEF’s work. This mapping formed the foundation of the institution’s efforts to build out a coordinated strategy and programme of work around ‘positive gender socialisation.’ The mapping was unique in that it accounted for differences across and within regions and sought to develop an institutional programme of work based on local experience and existing priorities. The lessons learned are relevant to other organisations and practice-oriented research programmes embarking on work to change norms that lead to violence against children.

KEYWORDS:

• Gender
• norms
• socialisation
• violence
• children
• international organisation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors. Tara Patricia Cookson, Lorena Fuentes, and Abha Shri Saxena are affiliated with Ladysmith, a Social Purpose Corporation that conducts research on gender equality. Shreyasi Jha is affiliated with UNICEF, although the views in this paper are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organization.