Insights from episode IV of the SMILES Project webinar series
The fourth episode of the SMILES Project Webinar Series shone a spotlight on how addressing gender and social norms can strengthen the Graduation Approach and promote sustainable livelihoods. The session — themed “Gender and Social Norms Shift in the Graduation Approach–Innovations, Results, and Lessons from the SMILES Project” — brought together AVSI Foundation teams including the Graduation Advisor and the Learning Team representative to share experiences from the Sustainable Market Inclusive Livelihood Pathways to Self-Reliance (SMILES) Project.
Transforming lives through gender integration
Emphasis on embedding gender transformation in AVSI programs was highlighted by AVSI Foundation Uganda’s Gender and Safeguarding Focal Point, Lydia Murungi.
“Shifting gender and social norms is not an event but a continuous process — one that demands intentionality, patience, and constant learning. The SMILES Project has demonstrated that when women are placed at the centre while engaging the entire household,” said Lydia Murungi who was the moderator at the event.
Innovations driving inclusion
Examples of integration of gender and social norms in livelihoods programming was sighted in the 2025 SMILES project contextual needs assessment that revealed harmful practices such as women’s unpaid labour and unequal distribution of household responsibilities. In response, the project adapted its curriculum, training manuals, and materials to address these issues and promote more equitable practices.
Key innovations that have driven change in the communities of Kyaka II and Kyangwali Refugee Settlements and their hosting communities were highlighted as:
- Joint social contracts engaging both spouses in household planning and financial decisions.
- Digital inclusion through access to mobile phones and digital literacy training.
- Community dialogues and visual materials that encourage reflection on gender roles.
- Gender-sensitive cash transfers and coaching sessions addressing issues such as Gender-Based Violence and shared responsibilities.
These approaches have led to remarkable improvements — women’s self-efficacy rose from 37.5% at baseline to 98.7%, and joint decision-making between spouses has become more common.
Coaching as a catalyst for change
The coaching topics themselves challenge long-held beliefs around responsibilities, decision-making, and gender-based violence. Participants are equipped with tools and strategies to question and change these norms. By sharing experiences and reflecting together, couples and peers learn to confront toxic masculinity and redefine how men and women relate within the household.
“Coaching creates a safe space for meaningful dialogue. Through the coaching approach, participants meet regularly with a trusted coach in an environment built on shared values, confidentiality, and mutual respect. This safe space allows open conversations about deeply rooted gender norms.” Dr. Rita Larok, Graduation Focal Person at AVSI Foundation, opened the session by highlighting how coaching serves as a powerful tool for transforming gender and social norms within households and communities.
Learning and Research is at the core of AVSI Foundation’s implementation of projects, Dr. Ronald Luwangula, Lecturer at Makerere University presented evidence showing how coaching sessions are helping shift deep-rooted gender norms.
“We’ve seen remarkable shifts in how communities perceive and normalise violence against women. Before participating in the SMILES coaching activities, it was often considered acceptable for men to perpetrate violence against women and girls. But as women increasingly contribute to their households’ well-being, men have begun to see them as partners rather than subordinates.” He stated.
The Learning and Research partner also observed changes in men’s perceptions and performance of gender roles and behaviours such as men working alongside their spouses in the garden, then leaving all household responsibilities to them–a remarkable shift in the project where currently, majority of men share domestic tasks — a reflection of shifting mindsets and growing respect within families.
Lessons learned and way forward
Panellists agreed that sustainable change in social norms requires patience, collaboration, and consistency. Key lessons included:
- To be deliberate: Integrate gender and social norms considerations from project inception.
- Build capacity: Equip teams and partners with tools to facilitate change.
- Create safe spaces: Enable open, reflective dialogue on sensitive issues.
- Give it time: Behavioural change is gradual but achievable with reinforcement.
A step toward inclusive self-reliance
Three key messages stand out from this discussion:
- Integration matters — gender should never be an add-on; it must be embedded in how we design, implement, and measure our programs.
- Household engagement is vital — involving both men and women through joint activities and social contracts is key to sustainable transformation.
- Learning and adaptation — stay open to feedback and flexible enough to adjust to changing contexts and realities.
Click HERE for links to the Episode 4 webinar presentation and video recording.
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