SBC in Social Norms and Harmful Practices

How do you say hello? Do you shake hands? Do you give a kiss on either cheek? Do you bend at the waist to give a bow? These gestures are automatic. We may not even notice we do them at all.  This episode is about Social Norms, the unwritten rules that dictate everything we do - from how we greet each other to how we raise and view our children. Can Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) help protect children from harmful practices held together by deeply entrenched social norms? In this episode, Qali speaks with experts who have dedicated their lives to researching and working with communities to prevent harmful practices upheld by social norms.Guests (in order of appearance)Zemzem Shikur, Child Protection Specialist and Focal Point for Community Engagement at UNICEF EthiopiaDr. Ben Cislaghi, Humanising Development Collective and Child FrontiersJoyce Odame, Child Protection Officer and SBC Focal Point for Community Engagement at UNICEF Ghana Josue Ango, Child Protection Officer at UNICEF Burkina FasoResources (in order of mention + more!)Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), UNICEF DataUsing social norms theory for health promotion in low-income countriesDirectoriate engages Communities on child MarriageSee Married off in Mozambique (pg. 20) and Talking in Circles (pg. 24) for interventions that deal with social norms in UNICEF’s latest issue of Change MagazineSocial Norms ToolFor an easy overview of social norms are and are not, see Defining Social Norms and Related Concepts (UNICEF, 2021)EnglishFrenchThe views and opinions expressed by the contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of UNICEF or any entities they represent. The content here is for information purposes only.The ABCs of SBC is hosted by Qali Id and produced and developed by Helena Ballester Bon in partnership with Common Thread. Check out UNICEF’s latest publication on Social and Behaviour Change, Hidden in Plain Sight, a celebration of the everyday heroes on the frontlines of public health outbreaks, or the first publication, Why don’t you just behave! For more information about UNICEF SBC, check out the programme guidance.We care about what you think — you can share your thoughts on the podcast using this feedback form. For all other inquiries, please contact [email protected].