‘Women now wear trousers’: men's perceptions of family planning in the context of changing gender relations in western Kenya

Abstract

Gender inequity has been closely linked with unmet need for family planning among women in sub-Saharan Africa but the factors related to male family planning disapproval are not well-understood. This qualitative study explored men's perspectives of gender roles and cultural norms as they pertain to family planning. Twelve small group meetings were held with 106 married men in Nyanza Province, Kenya. Shifting gender relations made the definitions of manhood more tenuous than ever. Men's previous identities as sole breadwinners, which gave them significant control over decision-making, were being undermined by women's increasing labour force participation. While many men viewed family planning positively, fears that family planning would lead to more female sexual agency and promiscuity or that male roles would be further jeopardised were widespread and were major deterrents to male family planning approval. By addressing such fears, gender-sensitive programmes could help more men to accept family planning. Increased family planning education for men is needed to dispel misconceptions regarding family planning side-effects. Focusing on the advantages of family planning, namely financial benefits and reduced conflict among couples, could resonate with men. Community leaders, outreach workers and healthcare providers could help shift men's approval of joint decision-making around family size to other reproductive domains, such as family planning use.

A Qualitative Investigation of the Impact of a Livelihood Intervention on Gendered Power and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among HIV-Positive Adults in Rural Kenya

“…We also found that some men reported a reduction in perpetuating sexual coercion and/or weaker adherence to normative assumptions that men have a right to sexual access to women’s bodies and that women do not have a right to refuse sex. This is an important finding given that such sexual norms have been observed by other scholars in this region of Kenya (Hatcher et al, 2013; Withers et al, 2015). …”

“Promote locally led initiatives to fight female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C)” lessons from anti-FGM/C advocates in rural Kenya

“…It was asserted that being in such a position potentially gives women the power to make decisions about the welfare of the children, without involving their partners. Kenya's 2010 constitution recognises the role of women as key players in the political and social-economic sphere, which has led to an increase in women's participation in the workforce, and subsequent financial contributions to the household [24,25]. Previously men's identities as sole breadwinners gave them immense control over decision-making within their families; an authority that is increasingly being undermined by their wives [25].…”

“…Kenya's 2010 constitution recognises the role of women as key players in the political and social-economic sphere, which has led to an increase in women's participation in the workforce, and subsequent financial contributions to the household [24,25]. Previously men's identities as sole breadwinners gave them immense control over decision-making within their families; an authority that is increasingly being undermined by their wives [25]. Rapidly shifting gender relations made men in this study unsure about their authority to challenge and firmly oppose the practice of FGM/C within the family.…”

Determinants of modern contraceptive use among sexually active men in Kenya

“…Gender and social norms play a key role in the decision to use or not to use contraception, with men playing a greater part in this decision [21, 22]. In particular, the views and perceptions of the husband/partner are key in determining contraceptive use [23–26].…”