Download Involving Men in Sexual and Reproductive Health: Introduction

Involving Men in Sexual
and Reproductive Health:
Introduction
UNICEF
FDA Consumer
An Orientation Guide by
United Nations
Men and Reproductive Health Subcommittee
USAID Interagency Gender Working Group
Objectives
• To encourage new
thinking about male
involvement in sexual
and reproductive health
• To stimulate a dialogue
M. Grant/United Nations
on how best to integrate
men into sexual and
reproductive health
programs for the benefit
of both women and men
Critical Reproductive
Health Issues
• 1 of 4 married women has unmet need
for contraception
• 5 million new adult HIV infections in 2001
• Half of all new HIV infections occur to
those under age 25
• 585,000 pregnancy-related maternal deaths
per year, mostly preventable
• 1 of 3 women is a victim of domestic violence
Part of the Problem or Solution?
Men often seen as a significant cause
of reproductive health problems
What would be the benefits
if men were involved as part
of the solution?
?
K. K. Sulik/UNC Cell Biology
R. Witlin/United Nations
Mexfam
Mexfam
J. Mohr/World Health Organization
Masculinity as a Risk Factor
For Women
For Men
• Violence
• STIs/HIV/AIDS
• Unwanted
pregnancy
• Depression
• Limited
opportunities
•
•
•
•
•
•
Incarceration
Drug/alcohol abuse
STIs/HIV/AIDS
Suicide
Violence/homicide
Shorter life
expectancy
Men Often Excluded from
Reproductive and Child Health
“I would like to hear what
the doctor says [about the child]
but only my wife is allowed in….
From the way we are treated,
one would think that [a child]
doesn’t concern us.”
– Father from Tunisia
Half of World’s
One Billion Youth Are Male
D. Mangurian/Inter-American Development Bank
Men: Sexual
and Reproductive Health
Family Planning
STIs / HIV
Safe Motherhood/
Family Well-being
Gender-based
Violence
Adolescents