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Social empowerment interventions are considered gender transformative when they go beyond  gender sensitivity or awareness-raising and actively work to transform existing gender norms, roles, and power dynamics within society. A gender transformative approach entails a deeper and more systemic approach to addressing gender inequalities. For example, they encourage individuals to critically reflect on their own attitudes and behaviours related to gender.

Social empowerment interventions include efforts to build women’s vocational and life skills; address women and young peoples' barriers to social, political and economic inclusion; and build social networks and collective agency. There are a range of strategies which aim to build individual, group and collective power of women to challenge inequality and subordination across contexts (i.e. in relationships, families and communities). Effectively coordinating multiple strategies can increase the likelihood of wider social proliferation of behaviour and norms change. Some examples of…

When considering the application of a successful prevention approach or model from another context, it's important to tailor that programme to the specific setting and target population(s), and within the context of existing prevention work. This adaptation process involves modifying the design or implementation of the approach to fit the context, while ensuring key elements that contributed to its success are retained. Investing resources in this process is crucial to avoid the risks associated with ineffective interventions and potential harm. Engaging with the original programme creator or…

Evidence shows that VAWG is preventable. The core drivers of VAWG are socially determined, which means they can change. Some prevention strategies and interventions have achieved substantial reduction in levels of violence, even after only a few years of implementation. Prevention work should therefore be informed by the evidence available locally, regionally and globally. For example, the UN's RESPECT framework outlines strategies that have shown promise in reducing the prevalence of one or more types of VAWG. An implementation package is available here. Strategy R: Strengthening relationship…

Prior to selecting or designing a prevention strategy, it is important to conduct a thorough assessment of the local context so interventions can be tailored as needed. This analysis should involve stakeholders including civil society organisations, women and girls' rights activists, local researchers and government partners. More recommendations on how to understand drivers, types and dynamics are available here.The different forms and prevalence of VAWG, as well as their drivers and risk factors. What is the specific type(s) of VAWG you are seeking to prevent? How does this vary from other…

In order to design a comprehensive and multi-component VAWG prevention strategy, it is important to build on best practice in programme design and implementation. Robust programme design ensures relevant stakeholders from a range of sectors come together and are meaningfully engaged from the earliest stages, including women’s movements and civil society groups already working on ending VAWG, and marginalised groups. Ending the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), and child marriage can be supported through the integration of evidence-based approaches. Strong programme design also…

When designing a prevention strategy, it’s helpful to consider the lessons learned from previous programming. This review of effective prevention design and implementation highlights ten elements which can contribute to impact: Source: Jewkes et al. (2020). Evidence brief: Effective design and implementation elements in interventions to prevent violence against women and girls. What Works to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls. P 4.  

When designing a programme that aims to change social norms, seek to include the following approaches:Develop messages that promote positive norms and behaviours, such as the important role of men as fathers, women's contribution to their households, the value of consensual sex and good communication in relationships, or the importance of working together for the good of the family. These positive messages should be pervasive, repeated across various platforms, and offer clear, appealing alternatives to VAWG.Prompt deliberation to discuss and reflect on norms, for example through community…

Transforming social norms at the community level requires strong organisational commitment from  implementing partners. The most effective interventions have been implemented by organisations guided by strong values, and committed to reflecting on sensitive issues like violence, discrimination, power and relationships, both in their staff and volunteers’ personal lives and within the organisational structure. To do this, staff and volunteers should be carefully selected (or nominated by communities) for their gender-equitable and non-violent attitudes and behaviour. They may be supported to…

Different approaches have been tested to change social norms about VAWG, with varying levels of evidence about their effectiveness. These include:Community mobilization using community activists who are trained and supported to challenge harmful norms and attitudes. Group-based workshops with mixed or single gender sessions to promote changes in attitudes and norms.Group-education with men and boys to move towards more inclusive, equal and positive attitudes and norms.Parent focused interventions that focus on gender norms, responsive caregiving, parental mental health, positive and age…