Sithandiwe Mujuru,* William Avis, Nic Cheeseman, Jonathan Fisher, Siân Herbert, Iffat Idris, Zenobia Ismail, Brian Lucas, and David Piela
Abstract: As countries move towards achieving the gender equality targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, improving the rigour, relevance, and practical value of evidence on gender norm change is increasingly important. Drawing on a rapid evidence assessment (REA) of available literature, this study aimed to synthesise and assess evidence on how global gender norms are translated into action in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a specific focus on the roles of norm carriers, intermediate outcomes, and enforcement mechanisms. The quality of studies was assessed based on rigour following the How to Note: Assessing the Strength of Evidence guidelines published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which consider framing, transparency, appropriateness, and cogency. Of the 129,278 studies retrieved, 121 met the inclusion criteria and were retained for full text-analysis. Of these, 89 were rated high or moderate quality and were included in the final analysis. The review finds that norm diffusion and adoption in LMICs occurs through complex, context-specific, and non-linear processes, meaning that formal policy commitments alone rarely guarantee change. Domestic factors, including entrenched gender norms, institutional capacity, and the strength of civil society, play a decisive role in shaping norm uptake. The review highlights the importance of multi-level, context-sensitive strategies that strengthen local capacities and align global standards with local priorities and realities.
Policy relevance: This rapid evidence review aims to inform policymakers and practitioners on how global gender norms are adapted and enforced in LMIC contexts, highlighting the roles of key actors and mechanisms that enable international standards to translate into meaningful local change. It provides evidence to design context-sensitive, effective strategies for advancing gender equality and democratic outcomes.
Key words: gender equality, norm diffusion, norm carriers, norm contestation, enforcement mechanisms
Authors: Sithandiwe Mujuru,* Researcher, University of Birmingham: s.mujuru@bham.ac.uk. William Avis, Research Fellow, University of Birmingham. Nic Cheeseman, Professor of Democracy, University of Birmingham. Jonathan Fisher, Professor of Global Security, University of Birmingham. Siân Herbert, Research Fellow, University of Birmingham. Iffat Idris, Research Fellow, University of Birmingham. Brian Lucas, Research Associate, University of Birmingham. David Piela, Research Coordinator (former), University of Birmingham.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.48352/uobxgsdrc.0004
