Abstract: Submission #116

Abstract Harmful norms and unequal gender attitudes have been identified as risk factors to poor choices adolescents make with regards to their interpersonal relationships and violence. These perpetuate gender inequalities and predispose adolescents to gender based and domestic violence. Interventions addressing gender inequalities, particularly gender attitudes and harmful norms are crucial to improve the overall outcomes of psychosocial and gender relations for adolescents. Underpinned by the social learning theory, this paper suggests that adolescents can learn gender attitudes and norms through socialization and these can be relearned. The paper draws from data collected qualitatively in an ethnographic manner using structured observations, transcribed session recordings, and field notes during the delivery of a Comprehensive Sexuality Education Programme (CSE) with 40 grade 8 learners in high school. Positive changes were observed on issues like gender relations which suggested the adoption of more equitable gender attitudes. The findings support the argument that these programmes are a worthwhile intervention to address negative gender attitudes which predisposes adolescents to the risk of perpetration and victimization of domestic violence. Recommendations on what best practices to follow whenever choosing and implementing a programme to address negative gender attitudes and harmful norms for programme efficacy conclude the paper.