The Intersection of Power and Gender: Examining the Relationship of Empowerment and Gender-Unequal Norms Among Young Adolescents in Kinshasa, DRC
The years between 10-14 mark the onset of changes in young people's physical, psychological, and social development. Early adolescence is a time when social expectations shift, as gendered messages intensify with the onset of puberty. Unequal gender norms have been linked to adverse outcomes including poor sexual and reproductive health for women and girls, and substance use, injury, and premature death among men and boys. However, there is limited evidence about these gendered processes during early adolescence and in low- and middle-income countries. Owing to the significance of this period, increasing attention is being paid to understanding and intervening to promote adolescents' health and positive development. Click to read more