Uganda
Evaluating Adolescent Male Behavior Norms Using GEM Methodology
The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) identified gender relations as an underlying factor in high adolescent pregnancy rates and HIV prevalence. From an early age, boys are taught specific behaviors and skills according to the role they are expected to play as husbands and fathers. Unfortunately, some of these behaviors are dangerous to men’s health and to those around them. Qualitative research was conducted in June 2005 to understand Ugandan definitions of masculinity and to identify behaviors and practices used to express masculinity in sexual relationships, fatherhood, reproductive health and violence. The data was used to develop Phase 2 of the Y.E.A.H. (Young Empowered and Healthy) Campaign, which seeks to lower rates of unwanted pregnancy, HIV and increase primary and high school attendance. The overall objective of the campaign was to promote and facilitate ‘gender equitable’ behaviors among men, behaviours that will contribute to the reduction in the incidence of HIV, and to improvements in the health and well-being of both men and women.
Qualitative research to evaluate the program used innovative techniques, including adapting the quantitative GEM Scale to small focus group settings. The research sought to understand if and how Y.E.A.H. was able to help change male gender norms, including the processes through which men begin to question and, possibly, change the construction of their own "masculinity," barriers to problem-posing regarding gender constructs, whether and how these changes have positively influenced gender norms on the wide scale, and what unintended consequences, if any, could be linked to the programs. The findings (not yet available) will be disseminated through the health and gender "community" leading to strengthened future programming.
Presentations
Back to Uganda
Note about materials: Some of the materials and resources listed on each page are available in their full form, others are represented by image or citation only. For more information and resources, go to www.jhuccp.org
|
