Questioning gender norms with men to improve health outcomes: evidence of impact
Barker, G.; Ricardo, C.; Nascimento, M.; Olukoya, A.; Santos, C.
Global Public Health 5(5): 539-553
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1744-1692 PMID: 19513910 DOI: 10.1080/17441690902942464Document Number: 206708
This article describes a review of 58 evaluation studies of programmes with men and boys in sexual and reproductive health (including HIV prevention, treatment, care and support); father involvement; gender-based violence; maternal, newborn and child health; and gender socialisation more broadly. While few of the programmes go beyond the pilot stage, or a relatively short-term timeframe, they offer compelling evidence that well-designed programmes with men and boys can lead to positive changes in their behaviours and attitudes related to sexual and reproductive health; maternal, newborn and child health; their interaction with their children; their use of violence against women; their questioning of violence with other men; and their health-seeking behaviour. The evidence indicates that programmes that incorporate a gender-transformative approach and promote gender-equitable relationships between men and women are more effective in producing behaviour change than narrowly focused interventions, as are programmes which reach beyond the individual level to the social context.