Post a comment 
The Global Youth Network for Empowerment & Development (GYNED) has joined partners in a five-day training on Social Norms and Change, hosted by UNFPA Sierra Leone under the project, “Accelerating Progress Towards the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation in Sierra Leone.”
Held from August 3 to 7 at the Purposeful Office in Freetown, the training focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of how social and gender norms influence individual and collective behaviours, as well as how evidence-based approaches can support sustainable social change.
Representatives from GYNED participated in training sessions, group exercises, reflections, and practical learning activities aimed at building their capacity to identify and address harmful social norms.
Key areas covered during the training included social and gender norms and their dynamics, the influence of norms on individual and collective behaviours, identifying harmful norms and analysing their impact, community-centred approaches to social and behaviour change, meaningful engagement and locally led solutions, and monitoring progress in shifting social norms over time.
According to GYNED, the value of the training extends beyond the knowledge gained, with the organization planning to apply and share the lessons across its teams and integrate them into programme design, implementation, monitoring, advocacy, and partnerships.
“Sustainable development requires more than delivering interventions; it requires understanding the social realities that shape people’s choices and supporting communities to become active drivers of positive change,” GYNED stated.
The organization also reaffirmed its commitment to addressing harmful practices by working closely with communities, influencers, families, and young people to promote positive social and gender norms.
GYNED expressed appreciation to UNFPA Sierra Leone, the facilitators, and other partners for the opportunity, noting that the training will help strengthen local capacity to address harmful practices and advance sustainable social change.
The training forms part of ongoing efforts to accelerate progress towards the elimination of female genital mutilation in Sierra Leone and promote a society where girls and women can live with dignity, safety, and equal opportunities.
