Background/Objectives
National data mask regional disparities with higher burden of maternal mortality seen in northern Nigeria. Restrictive social norms and widespread gender-based inequalities are critical determinants of family planning uptake in the region. The Sexual and Reproductive Health Program implemented in Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina States, collaborated with key stakeholders to implement a culturally acceptable male engagement strategy. Its main objective is to equip RTLs with awareness, commitment, and capacities to engage actively as change agents in the promotion of gender responsive SRMNH services
Materials and Methods
In 2019, 2376 religious and traditional leaders were oriented using innovative participatory facilitation methodologies and employed the responsive feedback mechanism to refine the project design. These community leaders cascaded their learnings and executed activities to influence joint decision making and uptake of SRMNH services in communities. From 2020 to 2022, three review meetings with averagely 4509 community stakeholders including youth champions, traditional birth attendants, Ward Development Committees etc., were conducted to facilitate collaboration, experience sharing and progress tracking. Regular monitoring and evaluation activities were conducted including focus group discussions, surveys, monitoring visits etc.
Results
From 2019 to 2022, there was 49% increase in proportion of community leaders who demonstrated positive attitude to gender responsive SRH services, with 200% increase in the knowledge of family planning. Self-practice of health timing and spacing of pregnancy improved amongst community leaders who demonstrated commitment to SRH promotion. In the project communities, this intervention contributed in 46% increase in the percent of married women whose male partners support the use of modern contraceptives, while unmet need reduced from 18% to 10%, based on endline evaluation data collected in 2022.
Conclusion
Working with RTLs as a male engagement strategy has great potential for increasing demand and access to family planning services. However, its implementation requires specially designed approaches to address gender inequities.
