IEA-WB Conference: Gender Norms and the Law

Panel Proceedings

At the recent conference, a high-level panel moderated by Raquel Fernandez brought together leading voices in the field—Marianne Bertrand, Matthias Doepke, Penny Goldberg, and Eliana La Ferrara—to explore how legal reforms can reshape gender norms and expand opportunities for women.

Drawing on insights from the Women, Business and the Law 2024 report and their own research, the panel examined the complex relationship between laws, institutions, and cultural norms. They emphasized that while legal reforms are critical, progress requires enforcement mechanisms, strong institutional support, and societal buy-in.

A computer class at a rural secondary school in La Ceja del Tambo
A computer class at San Jose, a rural secondary school in La Ceja del Tambo, Antioquia, Colombia. Photo: © Charlotte Kesl / World Bank Photo: © Charlotte Kesl / World Bank

Key Themes from the Panel Discussion 

Legal Progress and Remaining Gaps 
Despite advances in gender equality laws, women still enjoy less than two-thirds of the legal rights of men globally. Progress has been strongest in areas like workplace rights and pay, but weaker in mobility, property, and entrepreneurship. Implementation also lags—less than 40% of economies have systems in place to enforce these laws.

The Role of Social Norms 
Cultural norms—especially around caregiving and gender roles—can delay or undermine legal reforms. Even as women enter the workforce, they often face disadvantages such as the “motherhood penalty” and limited career advancement.

Laws as Drivers of Norm Change 
Certain legal interventions can actively challenge stereotypes. Examples include boardroom gender quotas and parental leave policies that include fathers. These not only create opportunities but also shift public perceptions of gender roles.

Gradual vs. Immediate Change 
In contexts where norms are deeply entrenched, gradual strategies may be more effective. For instance, promoting remote work or flexible policies can increase women’s participation in restrictive settings. However, gradualism may also delay transformative change, requiring a balance between patience and urgency.

Unintended Consequences of Policy 
Some well-intentioned policies—like gender-neutral leave or employer-funded maternity leave—may produce unintended outcomes if societal norms or workplace cultures aren’t aligned. In some settings, these policies may reinforce biases or discourage hiring women.

Education and Media as Long-Term Tools 
Early education, teacher training, and representation in textbooks and media were discussed as essential tools for shaping future norms. Evidence shows that interventions targeting youth can lead to long-lasting attitudinal change.

Men, Masculinity, and Fertility 
The panel also highlighted the need to include men in discussions of gender equality. Shifts in family dynamics, declining fertility rates, and changing labor markets reveal how persistent gender gaps impact both men and women—especially those with lower education or income.

For an overview of the conversation and the broader implications for policy and research, read the blog post here.  For the full video of the panel discussion, please click here.