On March 17, 2022, the Interagency Gender Working Group’s Male Engagement Task Force (METF) hosted the webinar “Rethinking Men’s and Boys’ Healthcare Access and Use.” In this webinar, speakers showcased insights and learnings from global research and programming that supports men and boys in help-seeking behaviors and healthcare access and use across health areas, including family planning and reproductive health; HIV/AIDS; and maternal, newborn, and child health. Speakers also highlighted how to address gender and power dynamics and other social and structural factors that influence men’s and boys’ access and use. Read More
Male Engagement
2021 State of the Art in Engaging Men and Boys in Health and Development: A Technical Marketplace
In September 2021, the Interagency Gender Working Group’s Male Engagement Task Force (METF) hosted the webinar, "2021 State of the Art in Engaging Men and Boys in Health and Development: A Technical Marketplace." This webinar showcased 11 examples of cutting-edge programming and research for engaging a broader diversity of men and boys as clients, partners, and agents of change across global health initiatives and programs. Presentations focused on diverse health areas, including sexual and reproductive health; maternal, newborn, and child health; HIV/AIDS; and gender-based violence. Read More
Social Norms Structuring Masculinities, Gender Roles, and Stereotypes: Iraqi Men and Boys’ Common Misconceptions About Women and Girls’ Participation and Empowerment
This study explores emerging opportunities for social transformation in the context of sedimented layers of male privilege and the questioning of restrictive gender norms in two Iraqi governorates. Among the promising pathways for change are awareness-raising activities with male allies, alongside other longer-term efforts advancing transformative change in attitudes, practices, and behaviors. Read More
Male Engagement in Family Planning: Understanding Global Policy Barriers and Enablers
In this analysis, Health Policy Plus examines the policy environment for male engagement in family planning across 26 USAID priority countries for family planning. The in-depth analysis examines national polices for reproductive health and family planning and/or gender, and offers priority policy actions that strengthen a supportive environment for engaging men and boys in family planning programs and services. Read More
A Policy Framework for Engaging Men and Boys in Family Planning Programs and Services
This resource serves as a policy framework for male engagement and shares examples of how the framework can be applied to strengthen the enabling environment for male engagement. The framework is organized around men’s and boys’ three overlapping roles in family planning: as contraceptive users, as supportive partners for family planning, and as agents of change. Read More
COVID-19 and MENtal Health: Addressing Men’s Mental Health Needs in the Digital World
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a source of stress and have important mental health implications for all persons but may have unique implications for men. This paper discusses considerations for intervening in men’s mental health during and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including current technology-based cyberpsychology options. Read More
