In Senegal, men are changing gender roles to improve maternal health

• Men in Senegal are being educated about gender equality through UN programs.
• Reducing maternal mortality is a key goal of the initiative.
• Men are becoming active participants in family and medical decisions.

In the capital of Senegal, Dakar, Imam Ibrahime Diane conducts classes at the "School for Men," an initiative of the UN that teaches men a positive human lifestyle and involves them in discussions on social and health issues.

Men in Senegal, as well as in many other countries in West Africa, often have the final say in making important decisions, including health-related ones. This leads to women needing permission from men to access family planning services, prenatal care, and maternal assistance.

After participating in the classes, Ibrahime holds weekly discussions during Friday prayers, where he addresses issues of gender equality and health. According to him, many women report improvements in their partners' behavior after the training.

The program, which started in 2011, has drawn the attention of the Ministry of Women, Family, Gender, and Child Protection of Senegal, which considers it an effective method to combat maternal and child mortality.

In Senegal, there were 237 cases of maternal mortality per 100,000 live births in 2023, indicating the urgent need for continued efforts in this area. Experts believe that without engaging men in maternal health, the situation will not improve.

Men who are being educated become equal partners, leading discussions and conducting informal conversations. They also discuss girls' rights, gender equality, and the harmful consequences of female genital mutilation.

Currently, the program covers over 20 schools in Senegal, and more than 300 men have undergone training. In some communities, men who previously adhered to patriarchal norms are now promoting gender equality, resulting in a decrease in violence in the family and an increase in acceptance of family planning.

The program also encourages men to be more considerate towards their pregnant partners, suggesting that they take them to medical facilities for deliveries instead of home births, which is unsafe.

Tags: Well-being