Implications of the Global Early Adolescent Study's Formative Research Findings for Action and for Research

The State of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

“…More attention is rightfully being paid to the gender dynamics underlying violence against women, including the gender socialization of adolescents. Gender socialization during adolescence shapes attitudes and behaviors that underpin sexual and reproductive rights [38], including both attitudes to violence and violent behaviors. DHS data [32] show, that in 18 of 19 countries with at least three surveys since 1994, fewer adolescent boys justify wife-beating today (Senegal is the one exception).…”

Forward, Together: A Collaborative Path to Comprehensive Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Our Time

“…Entrenched gender inequality and harmful gender norms remain major impediments to achieving ASRHdand rights in particulardas well as the SDGs more broadly [42]. As and after they reach puberty, adolescents are expected by the world around them to adhere to specific gender norms.…”

“…As and after they reach puberty, adolescents are expected by the world around them to adhere to specific gender norms. Girls are often considered vulnerable and are taught to be modest and polite, whereas boys are considered brave and independent and are taught to be assertive and self-sufficient [41,42,47]. Those who do not conform to these gender norms, as well as gender norms related to appropriate interests and appearance, face social pressures and sanctions, including violence [42].…”

“…Girls are often considered vulnerable and are taught to be modest and polite, whereas boys are considered brave and independent and are taught to be assertive and self-sufficient [41,42,47]. Those who do not conform to these gender norms, as well as gender norms related to appropriate interests and appearance, face social pressures and sanctions, including violence [42]. These gendered expectations intersect with other inequalitiesdsuch as poverty, education, employment, and access to information and servicesdfor an amplified negative impact on adolescents' lives.…”

Aligning human rights and social norms for adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights

“…Inequitable gender normative socialisation processes intensify for girls and boys during and after puberty, as parents and peers strongly influence and regulate girls' and boys' conformity or resistance to gender normative behaviour during this period. 9 Norms to control and regulate adolescent girls' sexuality often combine with conservative ideologies against girls being sexually active before marriage. This can result in barriers of exclusion when, for example, unmarried adolescent girls seek to access contraceptives or SRH services, only to be met with discriminatory, dismissive attitudes.…”