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YouthLens: Gender Norms Underlie Sexual Coercion |
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Nonconsensual sex is an abuse of power commonly rooted in gender norms — societal assumptions and expectations about what it means to be male or female. In many cultures, gender norms for females include submissiveness, deference to male authority, dependence, virginity until marriage, and faithfulness during marriage. Norms for men, in contrast, are built around power and control, independence, not showing emotions, risktaking, using violence to resolve conflict, beginning sexual activity early in life, and having multiple sexual partners. Research illustrates some of the ways that gender norms may contribute to nonconsensual sex. A study in South Africa suggests that societal acceptance of male dominance has contributed to high rates of rape or attempted rape.1 Other studies show that young men often feel entitled to sex, with young women frequently agreeing that sex is a man's right.2 During focus group discussions in South Africa, one adolescent girl remarked: "I actually think forced sex is the norm. It is the way people interact sexually."3 Traditional gender norms that condone male violence, support female economic dependency, and stigmatize female sexual activity also contribute to the acceptance of sexual coercion within intimate partner relationships. In a 15-country qualitative study of women's HIV risk, many women reported giving in to men's sexual demands out of fear of the consequences of refusal, such as physical abuse, loss of economic support, and accusations of infidelity.4 Various efforts are under way to challenge unhealthy gender norms during young adulthood, since both males and females tend to form belief systems, pattern their behaviors, and begin intimate relationships at this time. Evaluations of some of these interventions throughout the world have found positive changes in knowledge and attitudes, but whether such efforts result in behavioral changes that reduce sexual coercion is largely unknown.5 However, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a study conducted by researchers from Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, and the Population Council's Horizons Program, is evaluating the effects of an intervention involving community theater and peer education to transform attitudes and behaviors related to both violence against sexual partners and HIV/AIDS. The attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors at baseline and one year later of 400 young men ages 16 to 24 years in the intervention group will be compared to those of 400 young men in a control community. Results are expected at the end of 2005.6 And in three large slum communities in Mumbai, India, a four-month pilot intervention conducted by the Horizons Program and the Indian nongovernmental organization Committee for Resource Organization used peer education to encourage changes in unhealthy attitudes (such as the acceptance of gender-based violence) and behaviors of 106 men ages 15 to 28 years. Data from qualitative interviews with peer leaders and participants suggest that the intervention has resulted in less harassment and domination of women. Final results of the pilot study are expected in 2005.7 — Jane Schueller, senior technical advisor and gender specialist, YouthNet/FHI, and Kim Best YouthNet, coordinated by FHI, is a USAID-funded global program to improve reproductive health and prevent HIV/AIDS among young people. References
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