The Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS) recently participated in the 2024 Social Norms Conference which took place in November 5-6 at the Abuja Continental Hotel. The conference, themed “From Research to Reality: Socio-behavioral Solutions for Accelerated Human Capital Development,” brought together a rich assembly of experts, policymakers, and advocates to examine how social norms influence human capital development in Nigeria and beyond.

At the conference, C-WINS contributed to important discussions on transforming socio-cultural attitudes, especially concerning gender equity, family dynamics, and community health. Through sessions focused on women’s empowerment and the critical role of community-based support systems, C-WINS emphasized evidence-based approaches to dismantling barriers to maternal and child health, particularly in rural regions. This approach aligns with C-WINS’ mission to empower communities through integrated health and wellness solutions.

The conference highlighted the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration in promoting equity, social justice, and sustainable development. Notably, conversations spotlighted the transformative role of faith leaders and media influencers in shaping public opinion, especially around gender norms that affect young women and girls. Digital literacy was also underscored as an empowering force, with discussions on how technology can help challenge restrictive norms and enhance opportunities for adolescent girls and young women.

As a key stakeholder in Nigeria’s development sector, C-WINS is committed to advocacies and various stakeholders’ engagements that will lead to positive cultural transformations, support human capital development, and ensure government policies are inclusive and sustainable. Collective efforts of stakeholders will lead to a societal shift—one that balances the preservation of beneficial cultural traditions with the elimination of harmful practices like early marriage and limited educational access for girls.

The 2024 Social Norms Conference thus provided robust insights on initiatives that will lead to a healthier, fairer society with a strong emphasis on community engagement and policy change to make lasting impacts across Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.

In collaboration with stakeholders in Nigeria, C-WINS will align with recommendations on the adoption of strategies for advancing social norms change, in line with C-WINS’ goal of enabling communities to thrive through evidence-based, culturally aware health and wellness initiatives.