Gender Norms and Sexual Behavior Among Very Young Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Gender norms contribute to the inequalities that shape sexual and reproductive health (SRH) behaviors and outcomes. Exposure to unequal gender norms and practices for many young people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) intensify during early adolescence, influencing their vulnerability to poor SRH outcomes. This review addresses the state of knowledge on the implications of gender norms for SRH behaviors and outcomes among very young adolescents in SSA, in the search for lessons for research, policy and programmatic actions. Findings demonstrate growing, but limited research on gender norms and SRH among very young adolescents in SSA. Predominant socialization processes and institutions promote inequitable gender norms, producing differential but intersecting SRH risks and outcomes. Patterns suggestive of changing gender norms and beliefs also emerge, evidenced by opposition to inequitable gender norms and practices. Research remains scant among very young boys, adolescents living with disabilities, sexual minorities, and adolescents in humanitarian settings. Other under-researched issues include how the dynamics of gender attitudes during adolescence interact with SRH outcomes; the impact of policy and legal frameworks related to harmful traditional practices such as early marriages, sexual violence, female genital mutilation/cutting; and the scope of gender norm interventions to foster change at individual and other levels.