The "so what" report : a look at whether integrating a gender focus into programs makes a difference

This paper reviews 25 RH programs in an effort to answer this question, focusing on four components of RH programs, including interventions to: reduce unintended pregnancy and abortion; reduce maternal morbidity and mortality; control sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/HIV/AIDS; and improve quality of care. The review notes gender-related barriers to each of these components and the strategies undertaken by programs to address the barriers. The review generated eight main conclusions: (1) Evaluations of RH programs that promote gender equity are few and limited in scope. Relatively few programs that seek to transform gender relations to promote equity have undergone systematic evaluation. Gender impact is rarely measured. (2) It is difficult to isolate the effects of a gender perspective in programming. (3) Evaluations are typically short-term, while changing gender relations is a long-term process. (4) The strongest evidence comes from evaluations comparing the same interventions with and without the addition of a gender component. (5) Among interventions promoting gender equity, there are more initiatives with demonstrated results in STI/HIV prevention than in other health areas. (6) Many programs seeking to transform gender relations combine it with a community participation or community empowerment strategy. (7) The 25 reviewed interventions that integrate gender reported positive RH and HIV outcomes. (8) Among the 20 interventions that measured gender impact, gender outcomes were positive. Includes recommendations.