Who we are and what sort of life we lead are largely shaped by whether we are male or female. Worldwide, the burden of earning a living largely falls on men, and the burden of taking care of the home and family and reproductive matters mostly falls on women.

Women's low status may contribute to men's (and often women's) perception that it is acceptable to use violence against women, and that women do not have a say in their own sexual and reproductive health.

Programs to improve these vulnerabilities need to address gender inequalities and men´s role in changing the imbalances.

HealthBridge works in partnership with local NGOs and governments to increase men's involvement in promoting gender equality and increasing people's knowledge, comfort, and confidence in addressing major events in the reproductive life cycle.

With the Pakur Mother and Child Survival Project we have:

• Learned that in Pakur District of Jharkand State, India, approval from husbands was a significant factor in women deciding to give birth in an institution, rather than at home. Likewise, women were more likely to seek medical care when their children had a fever or difficulty breathing if their husbands approved;
• Educated more than 9,000 men and women about maternal and child health. With men’s support, 20% more women gave birth in a health facility and 19% more women received ante-natal care.

See the brochure of our Pakur Project.

See all the projects in our Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health program.