A Theory of Change for Tackling Violence Against ... - ActionAid

10Social institutions play a powerful role ininfluencing social norms. Religiousinstitutions, for example, can be vital allies inshifting norms around violence againstwomen and girls, but equally can beresponsible for defending violations of womenand girls’ rights. Other ‘culture creators’include so-called ‘traditional’, community andreligious leaders, including women, and themedia. Each can have a powerful role inestablishing norms – and therefore ininfluencing social change – and musttherefore be engaged with as part of thechange process.In planning interventions, it is important forDFID and its partners to work with the groupsand organisations that can influence socialchange, including in social norms. Theseinclude so-called ‘traditional’, community andreligious leaders, and the media. Women’srights organisations are also critical partners,playing a key role in supporting women’sorganising and building the social movementsthat ensure that change reaches women andgirls, and is sustainable. This is discussed inmore detail under Principle 2.6 and also in thePractical Guide to Community Programmingon Violence against Women and Girls. 46