What's Happening?
UN Women is seeking an International Consultant to operationalize its Social Norms Framework in Europe and Central Asia. This consultancy aims to translate the corporate framework, titled 'Ideologies, Institutions and Power: Addressing discriminatory
social norms,' into practical guidance for regional and country programming. The framework, developed between 2022 and 2025, identifies ideologies, institutions (market, state, religion, community, family), and power dynamics as key to understanding and transforming discriminatory social norms. The consultant will map existing social norms programming in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, analyze it through the lens of the new framework, and develop a concise operational plan. This plan will provide practical actions and tools for integrating the framework across various thematic areas, including ending violence against women, women's economic empowerment, and peace and security, ensuring alignment with the UN Women Europe and Central Asia Regional Strategic Note (2026–2029).
Why It's Important?
This initiative is critical for advancing gender equality in Europe and Central Asia by systematically addressing discriminatory social norms. These norms often underpin inequalities in various aspects of women's lives, from economic empowerment to safety and political participation. By operationalizing a comprehensive framework, UN Women aims to ensure a consistent and effective approach to social norm transformation across its programs in the region. This will enable more targeted interventions that consider the interplay of ideologies, institutions, and power, leading to more sustainable and impactful change. The focus on regional context and specific vulnerable groups, such as Roma women, women with disabilities, and rural women, highlights a commitment to intersectionality and ensuring that no one is left behind. Ultimately, this work seeks to dismantle barriers to women's full participation and enjoyment of human rights, contributing to broader societal development and stability in the region.
What's Next?
The consultant's work will involve several key deliverables. By October 10, 2026, they are expected to complete a mapping and analytical review of existing social norms programming across Europe and Central Asia. This will involve a desk review of regional and country office programs to identify thematic areas, approaches, target groups, and methodologies. Following this, a draft operational plan for applying the UN Women Social Norms Framework in the region is due by November 10, 2026. This plan will translate the corporate framework into practical, regionally contextualized actions and tools for country offices and regional programs. The final operational plan and a presentation of findings are scheduled for December 15, 2026. This final output will guide UN Women's future programming in the region, ensuring a harmonized and strategic approach to addressing discriminatory social norms.
Beyond the Headlines
The effort to operationalize UN Women's Social Norms Framework in Europe and Central Asia delves into the complex interplay of cultural, social, and political factors that perpetuate gender inequality. Beyond programmatic adjustments, this initiative has the potential to foster a deeper understanding of how deeply ingrained beliefs and practices shape women's lives and opportunities. By analyzing ideologies, institutions, and power dynamics, the framework encourages a holistic approach that moves beyond superficial interventions to address the root causes of discrimination. This could lead to a more nuanced engagement with local communities, religious leaders, and educational systems to challenge and transform harmful norms. The long-term impact could be a shift in societal attitudes and behaviors, creating an environment where gender equality is not just a policy goal but a lived reality, ultimately contributing to more resilient and inclusive societies in the region.
