Change and Persistence in Discriminatory Social Norms and Practices Affecting Adolescent Girls in Rural Uganda

This report explores the many factors that contribute to early marriage, early or unwanted pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted illnesses, and gender-based violence.

Although girls’ education is found to have greater social value, lack of access to reproductive health information and services, restrictive and discriminatory social norms, and early marriage trends leave girls vulnerable and with limited social support.

The report calls for integrated approaches to tackle these challenges. In tandem with community dialogue, education, health and legal service provision, and economic opportunities need to be strengthened. Local traditional cultural and religious leaders also need to be approached.