“Women’s voices are often challenged, and deliberate obstacles—like financial constraints and exclusion from political networks—make it harder for them to participate” Naila Kabeer, Professor Emerita, London School of Economics and Political Science

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Naila Kabeer is a Professor Emerita in Gender and International Development at the Department of International Development, London School of Economics and Political Science. She is also a Faculty Associate at LSE’s International Inequalities Institute and serves on the governing Naila’s extensive work and research focuses on gender equity, social justice, labour markets, and poverty alleviation. Naila Kabeer joined a two-day Expert Group Meeting organized by UN Women to address one of the most persistent barriers to gender equality in political and public life: discriminatory social norms. The event held on 4-5 February 2025 brought together feminist scholars, policymakers, activists, and practitioners to chart a path forward for transforming social norms and ensuring women’s full and effective political participation. This experts’ meeting was organized under the WYDE | Women’s Leadership, funded by the European Union, which is a collaborative global effort aimed at advancing women’s full and effective political participation and decision-making at all levels, especially those most often left furthest behind.

1. Could you tell us how social norms around gender roles impact women's participation in decision-making?

Decision-making happens at multiple levels: within the home, the community and in politics. And surprisingly, no matter where it happens, the barriers faced by women are universal.

For instance, barriers can be very practical. If much of a woman's time is spent caring for family, managing the household, and doing unpaid work, there is little time, let alone headspace, left for decision-making in public life.

Then, there are deeper societal barriers: such as who is seen as holding legitimate authority, who is seen as having the right to lead—within the home, the community, or in politics? Social norms shape both the division of labor and who is considered a legitimate voice in decision-making.

So even though households are at the micro level and politics are at the top, similar barriers persist. Women’s voices are often challenged, and deliberate obstacles, such as financial constraints and exclusion from political networks, make it much harder for them to participate.

2. From your work in Bangladesh and West Bengal, what lessons can be drawn about grassroots movements fostering women's leadership?

From my research in these countries, grassroots movements are essential to support women to assume leadership legitimacy at the local level - which is an important place to start with. Many women start by attending weekly meetings, often tied to livelihoods or savings groups for instance, where they gain confidence through discussion. I remember an indigenous woman in India saying, “I used to only talk in whispers. Then I learned to speak out—not just in meetings, but to village officials.” That journey from whispers to voices is a powerful metaphor of empowerment for decision-making.

3. You've worked with international agencies and NGOs. What strategies have succeeded in challenging and transforming gender norms in government?

There is no single strategy. Gender norms are deeply ingrained, tied to privilege and difficult to change. It is extremely difficult for people to let go of their privileges therefore multiple levels of intervention are needed. Leaders must speak out and advocate openly against gender discrimination. On the other hand, community leaders must be engaged as allies. Public campaigns through radio, theater or role-playing can help shift cultural mindsets. Culture plays a critical role. Sometimes, challenging gender norms requires countercultural strategies, using culture itself to reshape dominant narratives.

Finally, role models matter: the more women in politics, the easier it is for others to follow. So, for lasting change, political participation must be supported at both the highest levels for instance through quotas and the grassroots level through local associations.

4. Finally, what advice would you give to young women aspiring to lead in their communities and countries?

Have courage. The world is not always kind to young women who step forward! Find support, build alliances, you don’t have to face the system alone. Be present in every space where decisions are made and make people aware that gender equality matters everywhere. Having allies and a strong constituency behind you will give you the strength to keep going. And finally, never let anyone put you down!