Translet Bu Wahyu

7/29/2019 Translet Bu Wahyu

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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

Documents

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