GENDER RIGHTS AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

 (Issues and Challenges)

In sub-Saharan Africa, gender inequalities and inequities, combined with other forms of discrimination, have a negative impact on sexual and reproductive health. Because women bear a far greater burden of reproductive and sexual ill-health than men, special attention must be paid to gender inequalities and inequities, and to womens reproductive rights. The promotion and protection of human rights such as the right to the highest attainable standard of health, the rights to participation, equality and non-discrimination, and the right to education and information should contribute positively to sexual and reproductive health.

The application of human rights to reproductive and sexual health requires, amongst other things, an examination of laws, policies and practices to ensure they promote human rights, gender equity and gender equality. It also requires the development of tools and mechanisms for ensuring that human rights are integrated into research, programmes, monitoring and evaluation, at both national and international levels.

Strategies and Research Priorities A pilot project on using a rights-based approach, begun  in 2000-2001, will continue and progress made will be assessed. This project adds a human rights framework to health system and clinical considerations for the reduction of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. An instrument will be developed and field-tested to assess the degree to which laws, policies and practice respect, protect and fulfil human rights related to pregnancy and childbirth. In partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, health professional associations and womens health groups, the project will develop strategies for ensuring respect for reproductive rights through law, policy and practice. It will also document the feasibility of applying such a rights-based approach to making pregnancy safer activities in other countries. Project also involves reviewing and assessing the impact of political and social environment on reproductive health, and reviewing selected laws, policies and practices that protects or violate reproductive health and rights in Nigeria and West African sub-region.

Goal

To promote and protect human rights and gender equality, as they relate to sexual and reproductive health.

POLICY & ADVOCACY

Insight is just the beginning. Communicating it to decision makers and other policymakers is the next step to action. NCGHHR is not only conducting the research and provides technical assistance; NCGHHR is reaching out to inform experts, leaders, and policymakers within government and international agencies of our findings and experience. 

Here are some ways we assure that the results of our research help shape policies and programs NCGHHR activity in this area includes: 

-Targeted strategic communications that bring timely, accessible information to key decision makers.

-Publications tailored for a wide variety of audiences - program practitioners, academics, and the public.

-Forums for dialogue and consensus building among key decision makers, opinion leaders, issue experts, and program specialists

-Media outreach to influence opinion and generate news coverage of issues and events.

-Introduce journalists and the public to our issues; and provide technical information to researchers, policymakers, and program specialists worldwide whenever they need it.

-Participation in coalitions and partnerships to advocate for policies and programs that improve the lives of women and girls.

ADOLESCENCE

The current generation of youth is the largest ever in human history. NCGHHR aims to expand and improve investments in youth todayespecially in girlsso that young people can fulfill their potential and become healthy and productive adults tomorrow.

NCGHHR activity in this area includes:

-How early marriage affects a young girl's ability to get an education, obtain meaningful employment, and enjoy good health.

-How economic opportunity lets young women have safer sex, fewer children, and greater control over their lives.

-How getting communities to change the way they think about young people can improve young people's chances of getting better health and sexual information and services.

HIV/AIDS AND DEVELOPMENT

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a devastating impact on women and girls. Our challenge Is to assure that they have access to the prevention and treatment services they need.

NCGHHR activity in this area includes: 

-How the stigma of HIV/AIDS increases infection and reduces the use of programs for prevention, treatment, and care.

-How to empower adolescents to protect themselves from HIV infection.

-How to improve access to prevention methods that women can control.

Addressing HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination: NCGHHR is collecting data that will inform the design of interventions to reduce stigma and discriminatory practices--key obstacles to the full success of HIV prevention, care, and support activities. The project, conducted with in-country partners in Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa, seeks to better understand the cultural meanings of stigma, and how these meanings translate into discriminatory behaviors. The research will also analyze the implications for programs and policy. Partner organizations are the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital in Nigeria; Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences in Tanzania; Nigerias Federal Ministry of Health and Social Services, Nigerias Federal Ministry of Culture, and University of Cape Town, South Africa.

PARTICIPATORY APPROACH TO ADOLESCENT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN NIGERIA

NCGHHR is testing the effectiveness of a community-based, client-centered, participatory approach to improving adolescent reproductive health in Nigeria. The project is funded by the Nigerian Medical Association, and is in joint collaboration with Health Rights Initiative and Nigerias House of Representatives Human Rights Committee. Currently in its 2nd year, the project has completed formative research and action planning. It is in the midst of implementing and monitoring a number of interventions aimed at providing reproductive health information and services, as well as changing the fundamental conditions affecting reproductive health outcomes. These include:

-An Information, Education, and Communications Program.

-An Adolescent-Friendly Services Program.

-A Peer Education Program.

-An Adult Education Program.

-A Youth Development Program.

-An Economic Livelihoods Intervention.

-A Teacher Training Intervention.

POVERTY REDUCTION AND ECONOMIC RIGHTS

NCGHHR seeks to improve knowledge, policies, and programs to increase women's control over productive assets, such as land and their property, and improve their income-earning capabilities and opportunities.

NCGHHR activity in this area includes:

-How global economic trends, such as liberalized trade policies, affect women's paid and unpaid work, and their reproductive health and rights.

-The effect that government budget decisions at the national and local levels have on women and men.

-The factors shaping adolescent work experiences and how programs respond to their needs for economic resources.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND NUTRITION

Women's needs for reproductive health options and services and basic nutrition continue to be critical issues. NCGHHR has a long tradition of providing evidence that these needs cannot be successfully addressed without improving the social and economic context of women's lives.

NCGHHR activity in this area includes:

-How strengthening women's and young girl's health information and decision making can improve their health.

-How improving women's economic skills and resources improves their children's nutrition.

-How son preference affects a woman's use of abortion, or her young child's health.

SOCIAL CHANGE, NORMS AND INSTITUTIONS

Women's lives continue to be restricted by power relationships between men and women in the home, workplace, and African communities. NCGHHR identifies opportunities for changing the attitudes and roles of men and women, so that women can gain greater control over their lives.

NCGHHR activity in this area includes: 

-How the support systems and pressures young people encounter when they move from rural to urban areas affect risky sexual behavior.

-The important social reasons behind violence against women.

-How incorporating male perspectives into education campaigns on domestic violence can change attitudes and behavior.