An OECD study finds restrictive masculine norms in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal reinforce gender inequality, widen labour gaps, increase violence risks, and highlights the need for social norm transformation.
A new study by the OECD Development Centre finds that deeply rooted restrictive masculine norms are significantly slowing progress on gender equality in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, shaping everything from household roles to labour markets and exposure to violence.
The report, Masculinity and Gender Equality: Insights from Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, shows how masculinity is still largely defined by the expectation that men must act as sole providers, authority figures and primary decision-makers. This “breadwinner” norm is not only a social expectation but also a marker of dignity and identity in both countries.
In Côte d’Ivoire, 96 percent of respondents agree that men should be the main financial providers, while more than 90 percent of men report stress linked to this expectation. The OECD warns that such pressure reinforces unequal divisions of labour, with women continuing to shoulder most unpaid care and domestic work.
Labour gaps and rising vulnerabilities
The study highlights persistent gender gaps in the labour market, with disparities of around 15 percentage points in Côte d’Ivoire and nearly 30 percentage points in Senegal. It notes that where rigid masculine expectations are stronger, women’s access to decent work remains more limited and their economic participation is constrained.
It also finds a concerning link between traditional masculine ideals and higher risks of intimate partner violence. When men feel unable to meet provider expectations, often because of financial pressure, frustration can translate into household conflict and abuse. This is further compounded by weak trust in institutions and limited reporting mechanisms.
Silence, stigma and hidden violence
The report highlights that gender-based violence remains significantly underreported because of stigma, fear of social judgement and a lack of confidence in formal justice systems. This “social silence” allows abuse to remain hidden, weakening accountability and preventing survivors from accessing protection and justice.
When perception distorts reality
A key behavioural insight in the report is “pluralistic ignorance,” where people privately hold more progressive views but assume society is far more conservative than it actually is. In Côte d’Ivoire, this leads many people to overestimate how widely restrictive attitudes are held, reinforcing conformity to outdated expectations rather than reflecting actual beliefs.
Beyond outcomes: changing the idea of masculinity
Rather than focusing only on inequality outcomes, the OECD stresses that the deeper challenge lies in transforming the social definition of masculinity itself. It argues that lasting gender equality requires shifting norms around caregiving, authority and responsibility within households and communities.
The report suggests early education on gender equality, engaging men and boys through community programmes and fatherhood initiatives, strengthening legal protections for survivors and developing tools to track how social norms evolve over time.
It also draws on the OECD’s broader work through its Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI), which frames “restrictive masculinities” as a system of expectations that separates men’s and women’s roles in both public and private life.
In simplified terms, these norms include expectations that men must always be financial providers, avoid caregiving work, dominate decision-making and exercise control over household resources and relationships. The OECD warns that these rigid roles reinforce inequality not only for women but also for men themselves.
“Norms must change with systems”
Reacting to the findings, Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said the report reflects realities that extend beyond West Africa, including South Asia.
“Restrictive masculinity is not just a cultural issue. It is a structural barrier to justice and equality. When men are forced into rigid provider roles, it harms families, fuels violence and limits shared wellbeing,” he said.
He added that youth-led initiatives are already working to challenge these norms.
“Through initiatives like the EcoMen Initiative in Bangladesh, we are engaging men and boys to rethink masculinity in the context of climate justice and community care. Changing norms is as important as changing laws because both must move together for real equality,” he noted.
