Literature has shown that men's participation in gender and health programs remains unclear on the ground (Esplen, 2006:1; Rivers and Aggleton, 1999:2-3). The study found that men's participation in gender and health programs is still minimal and unclear.
INTRODUCTION
The study specifically looked at one of the projects involving community mobilization on gender and HIV/AIDS. The survey aimed to investigate the level of involvement of men and women in gender and health programmes.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: WOMEN AND MEN IN
- WID and GAD Conceptual framework
- Key Challenges to the GAD Framework
- The focus on women
- Lack of implementation
- Men and Masculinities
- Involving Men and Boys as a Development Initiative
- Conclusion
The latter definition goes further to emphasize the inclusion of men's and women's concerns in all spheres of development. First, it is argued that in the context of the unequal power relationship that exists between men and women, involving men and capitalizing on their masculinities is one of the important ways to improve women's rights.
GENDER AND HIV/AIDS IN A DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT
- Sex and Sexuality as a Development Issue
- Men, Reproductive Health and Development
- Gender and HIV/AIDS
- Gender Based Violence and HIV/AIDS
- Gender, Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS in a Malawian context
- Social, Economic and Political Environment
- Gender Inequality and HIV/AIDS
- Gender and the Non-governmental Organisations
- Conclusion
Furthermore, it is argued that culture has a role to play in the spread of the disease, especially in the African context. It is rooted in the gender discourse about masculinity and femininity and the position that men and women occupy in society. It documents the social and economic environmental context and discusses the issue of Malawian masculinity and how it has affected gender relations, HIV/AIDS and reproductive health in the country.
In his study in the country, Tiessen (2005) also noted what it means to be 'a man'. She also suggests that men's expectations and peer pressure must be highlighted in HIV/AIDS prevention work if the battle for gender inequality and against HIV/AIDS is to be won in the country. As a result, the NGOs in the country have made gender mainstreaming a principle component of their development programmes, including HIV/AIDS programs (Tiessen, 2005:17).
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND METHODS
- Research Design and Sampling Framework
- Data collection methods
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Research Ethics
- Limitations and Biases
- Conclusion
The NGO was chosen because it is one of the most active NGOs in gender and development work and covers a wide area in the country in terms of its project implementation. This was done with the aim of understanding the staff's understanding of the concept and their involvement in the project. These were then followed by questions on their knowledge and experiences of the project and then the involvement of men in the project.
At the end of the research process, a focus group discussion was conducted with staff members for reflection purposes as recommended by Tsey et al (2002). For the community data, this also involved translating the data from the local language [Chichewa] into English, as the data were collected in Chichewa. Creswell also notes that the researcher has a duty to respect the rights, needs, values and wishes of the respondents.
MISSING LINK - MEN’S INVOLVEMENT IN GENDER AND
Knowledge and Experiences: Staff Experiences and their Understanding of
In the project in question, all respondents showed the same understanding of the concept. This is because the woman goes to the man's home as soon as they get married. On the other hand, some female respondents stated that male and female staff are equally involved, which is in contrast to the views of male worker respondents.
In addition, the study also found that the low knowledge of the organization's gender policy regulations may be one of the contributing reasons why male employees are minimally involved in the project. This was also observed during focus group discussions where female employees could discuss issues regarding the development of the policy and its operation. It is in the best interest of the organization to ensure that all employees know the policy.
Men and Gender: Community’s Perceptions and Experiences
Furthermore, although the survey revealed mixed feelings about men's involvement in the project, many respondents, especially men, expressed negative feelings. As men, we have no direct benefits from the project compared to women (Interview with male respondent. It is difficult for us to help because we do not have readily available information about the project (Interview with junior male staff member).
They should not view the project as disempowering, but rather as part of the development agenda. It is necessary to clarify that gender is not equal to sex. I strongly support it, even though some things need to be changed so that both men and women can benefit from the project (Interview with male respondent). Based on the research results, the researcher believes that the project has the potential to contribute to gender equality.
Who is the Victim: Men and Gender Based Violence
Police reports and statistics on reported cases of gender-based violence also hint at the fact that some men suffer from this act and that few report cases for compensation. However, there are reports that many experience gender-based violence but usually do not report it (interview with one police officer in the unit, 16/03/2010. Based on what this study found compared to recorded cases at VSU, the study reveals many unreported cases of gender-based violence against men.
Both cases hint at the fact that some men also suffer from gender-based violence, and some respondents claim that male victims do not receive the same support as female victims. In addition, the involvement of men can reveal more cases and new types of gender-based violence. Gender-based violence against men is an area that receives little attention in the country.
Barriers to Men’s Involvement
The responses, as reported above, show a variation in how men and women view barriers to men's involvement. The research also found that the lack of space for men to communicate and cultural barriers are also significant barriers to men's engagement. In so many ways, women's empowerment is crucial right now; Neglecting men's gender initiatives is a missed opportunity to involve men in reforming gender relations.
All staff members agreed during the focus group discussion that men's groups are important in achieving gender equality. The men's group plays an important educational role around gender and health issues for the men. Santow argues that men's and women's educational levels play an important role in their decisions about whether or not to seek medical help.
What If: Implications of Excluding Men
Men also need to learn to take responsibility as far as gender and health issues are concerned, and the only way is to get them involved (Interview with male respondent. According to them, it all started in the old days when God created a man and then a woman to help him. In the researcher's opinion, these kinds of sentiments can discourage the few who are willing to join and those who are already there.
It is quite necessary to encourage a few people as they will be role models among others and can easily influence others to get involved. The above discussion is largely consistent with the fact that men's participation is crucial in gender and health programs (cf. Cornwall Ndong et al, 1999:55). Chant suggested three reasons why men should be included in gender and health programs.
What the Future Holds with regard to the Current Trends of Gender and Health
As a way forward, both men and women agreed on the need to balance men and women (not just focus on affirmative action towards women). There is a need to move away from lip service to gender and HIV/AIDS issues in addition to the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure that gender and health projects benefit both men and women. There is a need to lobby and advocate for gender sensitive laws and policies and stop talking about gender issues.
As gender activists we also need to understand and know the international documents on gender equality and apply them accordingly (Interview with senior female staff member. Kaufman (2003:4) notes that there are positive outcomes from engaging and involving men and boys in challenging gender There is also a need to develop partnerships not only between men and women, but also between institutions and organizations, some of which represent the interests of women and girls and others the traditional interests of men and boys.
Conclusion
Although there are many issues regarding the subject of men's inclusion in gender-related projects, the future may well be positive. The first one is to create a social consensus on a range of issues that were initially considered only important to women, when in fact they are equally important to men. Kaufman further notes the need to raise the next generation of both boys and girls in a framework of gender equality and equity.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- The Issues Emerging from the Study
- Suggested Solutions to the Issues
- Suggested Areas for Further Studies
- Conclusions
- Interview Schedule for Staff Members
Given current trends in the gender and health sectors, many had a pessimistic view of the future. Studies have shown that men's own space is important for achieving gender equality and development as a whole. Given the low involvement of men in gender and health programs in the country, it is important to further investigate what barriers hinder men's involvement in different cultures in the country and how these can be addressed.
Exploring the involvement of men in other development sectors in the country is also of vital importance. Men's involvement is essential for achieving equality as well as for development. What do you think NGOs in gender and development can do to achieve equality.
Interview Schedule for Project Beneficiaries
What do you think are the consequences of excluding men from gender and healthcare work? From your experience, how do you think men can best be involved in gender and health work? What type of work do men usually do in your community as their main source of income?
Do you think men have a say in women's general health and reproductive health?
Interview Schedule for Police VSU Officers
