Leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders gathered over the weekend in Abuja in a two-day conference to explore strategies to reshape social norms that impact human capital development across West Africa.
Themed, “From Research to Reality: Socio-behavioral Solutions for Accelerated Human Capital Development,” the event, which was hosted by the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR), encouraged cross-sector collaboration for practical, evidence-based solutions.
The keynote speaker, Chief Moji Makanjuola, in her address, emphasised the family’s influence on shaping societal values, stating, “Families lie at the heart of social change, passing down values and behaviors that define our communities and generations to come.”
In a related session, the experts highlighted how expressive arts and cultural crafts can drive social change by creating spaces for dialogue, particularly on gender equality.
The conference underscored the importance of digital technology in advancing social change, with one speaker noting, “Digital platforms are key to expanding both digital and social literacy. When we leverage technology, we equip people to challenge harmful social norms and reshape their roles in society.”
Key takeaways from the conference include the need for collaboration across sectors, community engagement and inclusivity, data-driven approaches, questioning gender norms, as well as cultural context in health.
The conference concluded with a commitment from participants to continue their work, using the ideas exchanged to transform research into real, impactful development outcomes.
