Power in sexual relationships : an opening dialogue among reproductive health professionals

This report summarizes the proceedings of a meeting co-sponsored by USAID aimed at opening a dialogue on power in sexual relationships. Among the 141 people who attended, there was a unified sense that inequality in sexual relationships is a vital issue in public health and social development. Participants pointed to the need for greater efforts in multiple areas, continuing theoretical work, descriptive psychological and sociological analysis, and operations research to name a few. Evidence presented at the meeting indicated that such changes in behavior and attitudes are possible. Presentations documented the progress made in eight field-based interventions, all providing valuable information and one overwhelming message: many men and women in less-developed countries are ready to discuss the issue of inequality in sexual relationships and believe that changes are in order. Members of donor and implementing agencies declared that they have taken note and that sexuality and power in sexual relationships has become a central theme in some of their programs. And, significantly, those leading the fight against HIV/AIDS made clear that changing the dynamics between men and women and within sexual relationships and "empowering" the weaker partner (usually, but not always, a woman) have become vital points of intervention.