Gender is a critical issue for youth reproductive health and HIV prevention. Traditional gender norms contribute to unintended pregnancy, STIs, HIV/AIDS, sexual violence and coercion, early marriage, and other harmful practices. YouthNet recognizes this key issue and is integrating gender into all aspects of the project.
In many cultures, gender norms for females include submissiveness, deference to male authority, dependence, virginity until merriage, 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, early sexual activity, and having multiple sexual partners. Such inequity and inequality limit young people's control over their sexual and reproductive lives. For those new to this topic, go to the page offering answers to key questions on gender and youth.
Adolescence provides an opportunity for addressing gender-related reproductive health issues and concerns. Cognitive development is accelerating, particularly moral reasoning and critical thinking. Young people can engage in analysis and reflective discussions about the power between males and females, gender equity, and gender equality during this period.
While transitioning to adulthood, youth learn to make choices and commitments, follow through with them, and stand up independently in the world. Thus, reaching them with gender equitable reproductive health and HIV prevention messages at a young age could have great impact later in their lives. Integrating gender into youth reproductive health and HIV/AIDS programs can lead to improved outcomes:
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Fewer unintended pregnancies
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Greater contraceptive prevalence
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Reduced maternal morbidity and mortality
- Decreased transmission of STIs and HIV
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Enhanced couple communication and respect between the sexes
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Improved quality of reproductive health and HIV/AIDS services
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Greater utilization of services by young people
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Decreased violence against women and girls
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Increased male involvement in reproductive health
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Fewer harmful cultural practices
