Unequal power dynamics do not just play out in society at large. They can be reinforced through political systems, institutions and dialogue, which is why our work focuses on the political dimensions of social change.

Women and children account for over 75% of the global population and a disproportionate amount of the world’s poor. Our key policy concerns, therefore, relate to gender and generations – gender and women’s empowerment, family, youth and childhood – as well as the way these issues play out in policy processes in both North and South.

The programme's approach complements work being carried out across ODI, particularly within our programmes on Social Protection, Research and Policy in Development and Growth, Poverty and Inequality. The Social Development programme is also heavily involved in the work of the Chronic Poverty Research Centre. We work actively with donors, multi-lateral organisations, international and national non-governmental organisations and public-private partnerships.