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Social Norms Chat
Social Norms Chat is a podcast for practitioners, funders, and changemakers eager to explore how social norms shape behaviors—and how they can be shifted to drive meaningful change. Hosted by Cäcilia Riederer from TransformNorms and featuring Sohail Agha, senior advisor at Global Health Visions, this podcast unpacks key concepts like aspiration vs. behavior, gender norms, and the power of reference groups.
Through thematic deep dives on topics like mental health, violence, and gender dynamics, we blend research, case studies, and expert insights to uncover what works (and what doesn’t) in fostering deep normative change. With special guests and real-world examples, we provide actionable strategies for those working in policy, advocacy, and community development.
Social Norms Chat
Episode 7: Engaging Adolescents for Change in India
How can we engage adolescents in conversations about gender, power, and social change—and support them in becoming agents of change in their communities?
In Episode 7 of Social Norms Chat, Cäcilia Riederer speaks with Nayana Chowdhury, CEO of Breakthrough India, about how the organization has built large-scale programs to shift harmful gender norms among adolescents. Drawing from Breakthrough’s flagship initiative Taaron Ki Toli, Nayana shares lessons from working with youth, communities, and schools across India to create long-term, norm-shifting change.
Whether you're working on youth engagement, gender justice, or community-led programming, this conversation offers inspiration and practical ideas for doing the work sustainably—and with heart.
📖 Use alongside the Transforming Social Norms Toolkit
Program mentioned: Taaron Ki Toli – Breakthrough India
Follow Nayana on LinkedIn
Read more about Nayana’s journey as a TransformNorms Fellow
Recommended by Nayana
🎥 Stree (2018): Watch the trailer
📱 Man Who Has It All – Satirical Facebook Page
🎧 Keeping It Feminist, a podcast by Breakthrough Trust
Executive producer and host: Cäcilia Riederer
Special guest: Nayana Chowdhury
Producer and writer: Dora Ehrlich
Editor: Tabusum Akter