The Social Norms and Agency Learning Collaboratives Network

Situation or Background
Given the expansion of research and program and policy initiatives focused on social norms, it is critical to make the latest knowledge and evidence on social norms widely accessible and to provide opportunities for practitioners and researchers across disciplines and sectors to share and produce knowledge. Representatives from the government, NGOs, researchers and donors come together to form regional social norms and agency learning communities to strengthen networks, build sustained expertise and capacity, and support good quality programming.

Our Goal or What We’re Doing
The Social Norms and Agency Learning Collaboratives (LCs) are four regional networks (Global, West Africa, South Asia, and Eastern Africa) working independently and collectively to advance a shared agenda that promotes research and practice related to the role of agency and social norms in global health and development. The LCs strengthen the capacity of individuals and organizations to support the application of new skills and learning across diverse areas including sexual and reproductive health, HIV, maternal and child health and nutrition, violence prevention, and women’s economic empowerment and many others.

Approach or Methodology
Together and independently, the LCs conduct the following activities to accomplish their shared goal:

1. Improve practice through partnerships. The LCs forge new networks and partnerships and bridge the gap between researchers, funders, and implementing organizations through regular networking events and new membership drives.
2. Strengthen capacity. Each LC hosts virtual and in-person events, webinars, and training sessions throughout the year to discuss and learn about social norms and agency in their context. The Global LC hosts regular events on cross-cutting social norms and agency
   themes.
3. Co-create tools and resources. The LCs work together to create new tools and resources on social and gender norms and agency key concepts, and to share this thought leadership
   widely.
4. Document and share experiences. Through webinars, blog articles, case studies, and social media, each LC shares the reflections and experiences of their members.

Impact and What We’re Learning
The Social Norms and Agency Learning Collaborative Network is strengthening research and practice on social norms, gender, and agency by building a network of practitioners, researchers, evaluators, and advocates who share knowledge, generate evidence, and develop resources to support SBC programming. In doing this, members envision a world where partnerships, knowledge sharing, and thought leadership converge to ensure sustained equity, social justice, and health for all people.