Transforming Gender Norms, Roles, and Power Dynamics for Better Health: Evidence from a Systematic Review of Gender-integrated Health Programs in Low-and Middle-Income Countries

Author(s): Muralidharan A, Fehringer J, Pappa S, Rottach E, Das M, and Mandal M

Year: 2015

Abstract:

The Gender, Policy and Measurement program, funded by the Asia bureau of the United States Agency for International Development, undertook a comprehensive, systematic review of the impact of gender-integrated programs on health outcomes. The findings are primarily intended to inform the work of government officials, donors, nongovernmental organizations, and other key stakeholders involved in health programming in India, as well as other low- and middle-income countries around the world. The Transforming Gender Norms, Roles, and Power Dynamics review is guided by the perspective that all health programs must employ evidence-based strategies that promote gender equity and empower women and men to achieve better health.

This review provides evidence of the most effective gender-integrated strategies used by programs in low- and middle-income countries worldwide. Its results underscore the need to conduct gender analysis in order to understand how health needs and behaviors differ among women, men, and transgender people; to identify evidence-based strategies that respond to and mitigate the specific gender barriers faced by these groups; and to incorporate these strategies into programs. To promote these programs’ sustainability and widespread reach, gender-aware strategies should be integrated and scaled up through government health systems in collaboration with nongovernmental organizations and other private sector partners.