Why Gender Is an Integral Part of Social and Behavior Change Communication Programs
25 Aug 2016
Gender equity was adopted as a Millennium Development Goal in 2000 and as a Sustainable Development Goal in 2015. It is recognized as an important determinant of health as well as a critical goal for global development.Gender equity also plays a role in the success of social and behavior change communication (SBCC) programs. Whether promoting HIV treatment, family planning methods, or maternal and child health commodities, SBCC programs are often complicated by gender norms. These widely shared beliefs about male and female characteristics shape how society believes women or men should act.
When women and men do not have equitable decision-making power in households, contraception use, antenatal care seeking and even child nutrition can be compromised. When women are valued for their fertility, they may try to give birth at risky times or face community-level stigma. When men are valued for their dominance, they may have multiple sexual partners, refuse to wear condoms or, worse, engage in gender-based violence. When men are not welcome in health clinics, they are less likely to receive HIV/AIDS-related care. In cultures with gender preference, there are disparities in child immunization and nutrition. Poor health outcomes are also seen when there are gender-related restrictions on education, employment and autonomy.
