A tree in Namibia. © John Hogg / World Bank
A tree in Namibia. © John Hogg / World Bank

About ALIGN

ALIGN is a digital platform and programme of work that is creating a global community of researchers, practitioners and thought leaders, all committed to gender justice and equality. ALIGN provides new research, insights from practice, and grants for initiatives that increase our understanding of – and work to change – discriminatory gender norms.

Through this vibrant and growing digital platform, plus ALIGN events and activities, we aim to ensure the best of available knowledge and resources have a growing impact on harmful gender norms. 

ALIGN is led by ODI Global and funded by various international donors including Global Affairs Canada, Irish Aid, and the Ford Foundation

What is ALIGN’s mandate?

ALIGN connects a global community of researchers and thought leaders to challenge and change harmful gender norms. We focus in particular on adolescents and young adults in low- and middle-income countries, but our interests also span learning on gender norms across wider population groups and contexts. 

ALIGN aims to:

  • synthesise and share new knowledge and methodological innovations to increase understanding around the dynamics of gender norms 
  • highlight innovative programmes and policies to identify 'what works' to change discriminatory and harmful gender norms at individual and institutional levels
  • collate and share key materials on gender norms and norm-change processes in different contexts 
  • encourage dialogue and exchange on these norms and processes through our events and Twitter account 
  • foster personal interaction and collaboration on gender norms between implementers, researchers, policy makers and donors in the Global South and Global North
  • support innovation and lesson learning through the re-granting activities that provide small grants for research, learning and convening

Contact us to share research, profile innovative programmes and access or promote funding opportunities that could accelerate progress towards sustainable gender equality. 

How can you join ALIGN’s Community of Practice?

To join our Community of Practice, simply explore the site and sign up for our newsletter. There are many ways you can get involved with ALIGN. 

  • Recommend a resource for the resource hub
  • Share the platform with your networks through social media or email 
  • Follow ODI Global on LinkedIn
  • Suggest a project, organisation or initiative working on gender norms to profile on the organisations and initiatives page
  • Develop written content such as blogs, case studies and recommended reading lists
  • Engage in ALIGN’s webinars and events
  • Provide news on gender norms research, programming and funding for ALIGN newsletters
  • Apply for funding
  • Provide ongoing feedback to the platform development team

How do I apply for funding from ALIGN?

ALIGN periodically hosts rounds of funding for research related to gender norms. To view the latest information on funding, visit our Funding page

ALIGN is looking to build on the success of previous funding rounds by inviting donor support for its re-granting scheme. Drawing on its growing global community, its research portfolio on discriminatory gender norms and its insights on how these can be challenged, ALIGN is well placed to fund rigorous research and ground-breaking events that bring key players together. If you are interested in partnering with ALIGN on micro-funding, please contact us.