Hedda Ness

A master' student focusing on gender and equality

Hedda holds a bachelor's degree from the Norwegian School of Economics, and is now underway with her CEMS master's as well as a master's in Energy, Natural Resources and the Environment at NHH. Previously she has studied French and Gender Studies in India, as well as been on exchange in France and Chile. 

She is writing her thesis with fellow student Nikolai Fredheim. Their thesis is titled "Pluralistic Ignorance: A Phenomenon Among the Young in Dar es Salaam?" and is
centered around investigating pluralistic ignorance in the context of young people in Dar es Salaam. The study aims to explore how pluralistic ignorance, where individuals misperceive others' beliefs and behaviors, leading to conformity despite differing private opinions, affects gender roles and social norms. It draws on data gathered through the WorkLab project in collaboration with organizations such as ESRF and FeminaHip, focusing on social and psychological factors that sustain gender inequalities. Through empirical investigation, the project examines whether pluralistic ignorance exists in these settings and how it contributes to gender-based violence and societal development in Tanzania.

This research will contribute to understanding the dynamics of gender norms in transitioning societies and offer insights into strategies for combating social misperceptions that hinder progress towards gender equality.