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Gender and MaleInvolvement
February, 2007
Community-Based FPWorkshop
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Session Objectives
As a result of this session, participants will have:
Reviewed the guiding principles for a gender-integratedprogram
Reviewed elements of a gender-integrated program
Completed exercise practicing gender integrationprinciples and program elements
Listed at least 3 advantages and 3 challenges to involvingmen in FP programs.
Cited at least 2 successful male involvement
strategies/models. Explained how ignoring or excluding men weakens family
planning services.
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Why Integrate Gender?
Gender integration makes
programs and policies
responsive to the social,
economic, cultural and
political environment thateffect reproductive health
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Outcomes of Effective Gender Integration
Improved quality of RH services
Met needs of program participants
Improved sustainability in programs
Better informed and empowered clients
Improved couple communications
Improved utilization of services
Broadens development impacts
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Contribution to Specific Reproductive Health
Outcomes
Improved CPR
Reduced fertility
Reduced HIV transmission
Reduced violence against women
Decreased maternal mortality
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What are some examples of strategies to promote
the following?
Gender equality
Gender equity
Gender integration
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Guiding Principles for a Gender-Integrated Program
Work through local partnerships
Support diversity and respect
Foster accountability
Promote respect for the rights of individuals and
groups
Empower women, men, youth and communities
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Elements of a Gender-Integrated Program
Specific gender equity/equality objectives andindicators for measuring success
Equitable participation and involvement at all levels
Fostering equitable relationships Advocacy
Coalition building
Multisectoral linkages
Community support for informed individual choice Institutional commitment to gender integration
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Process for Gender Integration Throughout
Program Cycle
Examine program objectives related to genderconsiderations
Collect data on gender
Relations, roles, identities Analyze data for gender differences
Design program elements to address gender issues
Develop and monitor indicators that measure gender-specific outcomes; evaluate the effectiveness ofelements
Adjust design and activities based on M&E
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Involving Men in Family Planning Can Promote GenderEquity
Women want their partners involved:
To support their own contraceptive use
To share responsibility for contraception
and protecting health
To increase mens understanding of reproductive health
issues
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Why Involve Men in Family Planning?
Male responsibility in reproductive health issues is essential
to decreasing HIV/AIDS and other STIs and meeting the
unmet need for FP
Men play dominant role in decision-making
Encourage male methods of contraception
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Couple Counseling Results in Better Continuation Rates
Source: Terefe, Am J Public Health 1993;83(11).
One-year contraceptive
continuation
twice as high when
husband counseled withwife (Ethiopia)
Husbandinvolved incounseling
Husband NOTinvolved incounseling
Percentage of couples
contracepting after 12 months
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
33%
17%
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Why Some Men Choose Vasectomy
Simpler, safer and less expensive than female
sterilization
Love for wife and concern for her health
Desire to take responsibility in family planning
Greater sexual enjoyment by eliminating worries
about unwanted pregnancy
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Condoms: Dual Protection Against Pregnancy and
STIs
Can be highly effective in protecting
against pregnancy AND preventing
HIV/STIs
Should be promoted in family planning,HIV prevention, and other programs
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Barriers to Male Involvement in FP/RH
Lack of access to information
Exclusion of males (culture/tradition,
service providers)
Provider bias againstmale methods
Limited access to services
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Mens Public Approval Versus PrivateUse
Men report high knowledge and supportof contraception even where use is low
Public approval different than private use
Programs need to change attitudes andpractices
desire for more children belief that religion prohibits use
desire for control over wife
Sources: Drennan, Popul Rep 1998;J(46); Wilkinson, Man-Myths, AVSC International, 1998.
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Male Involvement Program Options
Programs targeting
men only
Programs viewingmen as a secondary
target population to
influence womens
behavior
Programs viewing
men as partners
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Creative Outreach Efforts Reach Men in Community
Conduct formative research involving men asstakeholders and as community participants
Design BCC strategy based upon sufficientassessment information
Examples of places and activities where more menmight be reached
Sports events
Workplaces
Small businesses
Truck stops Military bases
Media
Social drinking
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Examples: Community Education SuccessfullyInvolves Men
Agricultural agents and community volunteers reached farmers with
reproductive health and family planning information
Interactive materials for low-literacy clients stressed importance ofbirth spacing for child health
Family planning increased from 37 to 55%
Honduras:
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Clinic-based Strategies for Men
Stand-alone
male clinics
Separate hours/entrances for
men
Integrated services
Male or female counselors
Debbie Rogow
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Recommendations for Male Involvement Programs
Integrate gender and male involvement into every step of the
design, implementation and M&E process of a program
Use the power of positive role modeling
Open up safe spaces to talk and learn
Engage men in dialogue to discuss concerns and questions
related to FP
Integrate HTSP messages into programs
Focus on actions men can take to improve HTSP and increase
use of FP Nurture a pool of men as gender activists
Consider men as CBDs of FP
Offer a range of services that includes FP