Integrating Gender into Reproductive Health Outcomes: Does It Make a Difference to Outcomes?

Carol Boender, Independent Consultant
Diana Santana, JSI Research and Training Institute
Diana Santillan, JSI Research and Training Institute
Karen Hardee, Futures Group International

At the 1994 ICPD, gender-based barriers were identified as barriers to reproductive health. We present findings from a 2002 analysis that integrating gender into RH programs makes a difference to outcomes. We have distinguished three types of gender integration: exploiting gender inequalities to pursue reproductive health goals; accommodating gender differences; and seeking to overcome barriers by transforming gender norms to promote equity. Through review of evaluations of interventions and interviews with experts, this paper assesses gender-integrated interventions in four areas: maternal morbidity/mortality, unintended pregnancy, HIV/STDs, and men’s involvement. In our analysis, we present gender-based barriers in each area and provide examples of strategies that have been used to overcome them, making a distinction between initiatives that work with or work around gender norms and those that challenge them. The evidence supports using a gender perspective in reproductive health program design and suggests a number of model programs as best practices.