Discussions around what will replace the millenium development goals (MDGs) in 2015 are well underway, including around how best to integrate gender equality such a framework in ways that build on lessons from the past in order to tackle poverty and exclusion at the root and promote long-lasting transformative change.

The patchy progress made since 2000 on this MDG raises fundamental questions on the approaches and targets chosen to reach gender equality. Gender gaps in education and employment, low representation of women in decision-making positions, and violence against women demonstrate the need for a reframing in the next development framework, to tackle the underlying drivers rather than ‘symptoms’ of gender inequality.

Social norms play a critical role in shaping values, practices and attitudes that determine the power relations between women and men. A growing body of research and field experience over the past decade indicate that tackling these structural and systemic drivers of inequality are an effective and sustainable means of catalysing positive social transformation that benefit both women and men.

Chaired by Guardian journalist, Liz Ford, this ODI, OECD and DFID side event aims tohighlight the importance of including social norms in the analysis of achievements and shortcomings of the MDGs to capitalise on lessons learned for post 2015. Keynote speakers will include Secretary of State, Justine Greening (DFID), H.E. Ms Zenebu Tadesse Woldetsadik, Minister of Women, Children and Youth Affairs (Ethiopia), Hanna Alder (ODI), Keiko Nowacka and Gaelle Ferrant (OECD Development Centre).

For up to the minute information and updates in the run up to this event follow #genderpost2015 and #CSW58 on twitter.

This event will not be live-streamed but a full event report will be available 24 hours after.