Background: Machismo is not the only form of masculinity in Latin America as is often believed. Emerging social discourse about “new men” and changing gender roles offer opportunities to improve men’s and women’s health. Despite consensus from the Cairo mandate on male involvement, reproductive health (RH) services and supportive policies for men are lacking.
AVSC International and health NGOs conducted qualitative studies in Bolivia, Colombia and Paraguay to explore men’s, women’s and providers’ perspectives on RH services for men. This presentation analyzes those perspectives; official policies and services; and implications for service design and delivery.
Study design: The studies utilized interviews, questionnaires, and focus groups to explore sexuality, reproductive health, gender, and service delivery issues.
Findings: In all three countries, providers acknowledge the importance of these services, but are unable to offer them due to scant technical capacity and knowledge about the emotional and cultural aspects of male sexual behavior. The discourse manifests itself differently in each country. In Colombia, services center on vasectomy, whereas, in Bolivia gender equity is an increasingly important social and health issue, but there are few services.
This presentation discusses approaches to help men seek services, train providers, develop pilot services, and increase national advocacy on male involvement.
Learning objectives: 1) Describe transitioning gender roles in Latin America and implications for service delivery 2) Discuss social and cultural factors impeding men’s access to services 3) Describe challenges faced by service providers to deliver services to men 4) Identify opportunities to incorporate male services
Learning Objectives: 1) Describe transitioning gender roles in Latin America and implications for service delivery 2) Discuss social and cultural factors impeding men's access to services 3) Describe challenges faced by service providers to deliver services to men 4) Identify opportunities to incorporate male services
Keywords: Male Reproductive Health, Gender
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: AVSC International
CISTAC-Bolivia
CIMDER-Colombia
CEPEP-Paraguay
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.