Arts-based approaches to promote GBV-related gender norm change

Upcoming research

Art is a tool for feminist activists and organisations to promote their vision of progressive gender norm change. Arts-based approaches can be used to highlight biases in one's gender-related beliefs and attitudes and to articulate alternatives. The potential of using arts-based approaches to address gender-based violence (GBV) is particularly promising since it can help approach sensitive topics, work with boys and men, and support the well-being of victim-survivors, among other advantages. The impact and effectiveness of arts-based approaches to achieve norm change related to GBV, however, is less clear.

In response to this empirical gap, ALIGN is working with partners in the Global South on new research looking into How art can promote GBV-related gender norm change.  

Background

Feminist artists, movements and organisations have used art as one of their tools to advance gender equality, as recent research by ALIGN has shown. Activist artists, such as Elina Chauvet, Suzanne Lacy and Rebecca Lane are using their work to denounce gender inequality and inspire critical reflection. Feminist movements in Chile, Turkey, Italy and Pakistan, among those in many other countries, have incorporated art into their activism to denounce GBV and demand changes. Moreover, feminist, pro-feminist and development organisations, like A Long Walk Home and Oxfam, have incorporated art into their programming to raise awareness about GBV and promote social transformation.

ALIGN’s research indicates art can be particularly well-suited to promote gender norm change. Gender norm change refers to the process of prompting changes in the implicit and informal rules that influence gender-related attitudes and behaviours to challenge those that are harmful and reinforce patriarchal relations. Using art can contribute to this process by highlighting biases in beliefs and attitudes, call attention to neglected issues, stimulate critical thinking, foster dialogue and reflection, engage people emotionally, and create the space to explore and test alternatives.

GBV remains a core concern of feminist movements and organisations worldwide and has become a central focus of arts-based feminist activism. Art-based approaches are particularly well suited to addressing this issue as they provide a sensitive platform for discussing complex and often painful topics. These methods foster engagement with vulnerable populations in a caring and respectful manner, promote the well-being of GBV victims-survivors, and reduce resistance to reflection and dialogue. Moreover, arts-based initiatives effectively connect with diverse audiences, including both young people and adults, making them a powerful tool for advocacy and social change.

However, while there is some evidence supporting the impact of arts-based approaches in promoting gender equality, further research is needed to solidify this body of knowledge, especially in an impact-driven funding context. A critical area for investigation is the long-term impact of these approaches. This is particularly important given the long-term nature of norm change as it involves changing people’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours, and the power dynamics that enforce them through social pressure and violence. 

Study focus

This study will critically examine the longer-term impact of two arts-based initiatives that seek to eliminate GBV in a ‘Global South’ country by prompting gender norm change. The project will address the following research question: 

How do arts-based initiatives contribute to shifting gender norms that underpin GBV? 

In doing so, the study will address the current evidence gap on the effectiveness of arts-based work to prompt gender norm change and contribute to our understanding of how any such change occurs.  

The outputs from the funded research are expected in autumn 2026.