Changing Social Institutions to Improve the Status of Women in Developing Countries

. Deeply rooted social institutions – societal norms, codes of conduct, laws and tradition – cause gender discrimination. . Religion per se does not systematically define such discrimination. All dominant religions show flexibility in interpreting the role of women in society. . The Millennium Development Goals demand change in gender-discriminating social institutions, which should be added to the seven strategic priorities identi?ed by the UN Task Force on Education and Gender Equality. . Donors must redesign their strategies to focus not only on improving women’s capacities and capabilities, but also and concurrently on lowering men’s resistance against reforms that improve gender equality.