Gender and Sexuality Commons^™

What Works To Improve Outcomes For Kenya's Adolescent Girls?, Population Council

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

This fact sheet outlines results from the Adolescent Girls Initiative–Kenya, a study that evaluates the long-term impact of a multi-sectoral intervention targeted at adolescent girls aged 11 to 15 years from Kibera and rural Wajir. The intervention consists of four different components: a community-based violence-prevention program, an education conditional cash transfer (CCT), health-focused girls' empowerment clubs, and wealth creation for girls via financial education and savings. Results indicate that the approach was a cost-effective way to create positive change across a range of well-being factors for young adolescent girls, including education, health, and economic outcomes.

Using Evidence To Improve Quality Of Pharmacy-Delivered Medical Abortion, Katharine Footman, Nancy Termini Lachance

Reproductive Health

The goal of family planning and reproductive health operations research is to generate evidence that helps policies and programs maximize access to and quality of services for women and their families. Yet the crucial step of ensuring the utilization of that evidence often receives inconsistent or inadequate attention. The goal of this case study is to document an activity of Marie Stopes International (MSI) in Kenya, part of the STEP UP research program consortium, which resulted in successful evidence utilization. STEP UP research on quality of care for medical abortion, particularly on pharmacy provision of medical abortion, has provided the …

Changes In Fgm/C In Somaliland: Medical Narrative Driving Shift In Types Of Cutting, Richard A. Powell, Mohamed Yussuf

Reproductive Health

In Somalia, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) prevalence is nearly universal at 98 percent. This qualitative study sought to explore: 1) views and experiences of married and unmarried men and women on FGM/C and potential changes in its practice; 2) individual, family, and societal factors contributing to any changes, or continuation of FGM/C; 3) the knowledge, views, and experiences of healthcare workers who offer FGM/C services and their role as change agents rather than providers; and 4) how healthcare systems’ capacities can be strengthened for management and prevention. The study finds that normative changes appear to be occurring in Somaliland society …

Collaborative Work With Somaliland Stakeholders To Increase Evidence Based Decision Making In Fgm/C, Chantalle Okondo

Reproductive Health

The Population Council collaborated with partners Orchid Project and Somaliland Family Health Association to pilot a new approach to disseminating research findings in order to increase the impact of evidence-based decisionmaking in program, policy, and investments in female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). This brief reports on a recent workshop that utilized an open space approach to encourage review of recent key evidence on FGM/C in Somaliland; explore UNICEF’s six elements of abandonment and their relevance to the Somaliland context; link research with decisionmaking; and develop action plans. Participants identified six key themes for further reflection: behavioral/social change, medicalization, policy, child rights, …

Exploring The Nigerian Health System's Response To Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, Otibho Obianwu

Reproductive Health

Although Nigeria has shown a steady long-term decline in female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) prevalence, the practice remains widespread. This study brief outlines the Population Council’s Evidence to End FGM/C research program, which, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, will conduct a diagnostic assessment in order to: 1) examine how the healthcare sector supports the prevention of FGM/C; 2) determine the role of the healthcare sector in the management of FGM/C-related complications and the quality of care offered to clients; and 3) identify possible solutions for strengthening the healthcare system’s capacity to manage and prevent FGM/C. Findings are intended …

Fgm/C Decision-Making Process And The Role Of Gender Power Relations In Sudan, Ahmed Gamal Eldin, Suad Babiker, Majdi Sabahelzain, Muna Eltayeb

Reproductive Health

This study by the Population Council, Nairobi and partners aimed to contribute to a better understanding of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Sudan and the way different families perceive the practice and make FGM/C-related decisions. The ultimate goal was to inform interventions aimed at accelerating the pace of positive behavioral and social norm change and eventually promote the abandonment of all forms of FGM/C in Sudan. The findings indicate that although parents often make the final decision to cut or not cut their daughters, they do not act in isolation but are influenced by dominant social norms and by other …

Medicalisation Of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting In Sudan: Shift In Types And Providers, Nafisa Bedri, Huda Sherfi, Ghada Rudwan, Sara Elhadi, Wafa Elamin

Reproductive Health

This study by the Population Council and the Gender and Reproductive Health and Rights Resource and Advocacy Center aimed to inform the development of future interventions by generating evidence on the drivers of the shifts in the practice of female genital cutting/mutilation (FGM/C) in Sudan. Researchers conducted a community-based cross-sectional, comparative, mixed-methods study that examined shifts in the type of cut, its level and significance, as well as the supply and demand factors associated with medicalization. They also explored interventions and alternative approaches that may prevent medicalization and the sustenance of the practice of FGM/C, including re-infibulation. The study finds …

Shifts In Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting In Kenya: Perspectives Of Families And Health Care Providers, Samuel Kimani, Caroline W. Kabiru

Reproductive Health

Despite compelling reasons and efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Kenya, the practice has persisted, albeit with some changes. This study sought to understand the shifts in FGM/C among families and healthcare providers from selected Kenyan communities that practice FGM/C. Our findings highlight similarities and differences across three distinct Kenyan communities. FGM/C appears to persist through two models: first, shifts (changes) in the practice, notably cutting at a younger age, lesser cutting; and second, through stability and consistency with minimal change. The two diverse models appear to rely on and sustain social norms that support FGM/C in these …

Tracing Change In Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Shifting Norms And Practices Among Communities In Narok And Kisii Counties, Kenya, Dennis Matanda, Chantalle Okondo, Caroline W. Kabiru, Bettina Shell-Duncan

Reproductive Health

In Kenya, there has been a steady and marked decline in the prevalence of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) but there is great variance in the prevalence of FGM/C across the country, with prevalence remaining high among certain ethnic groups such as Somali, Samburu, Kisii, and the Maasai. The objectives of this study were: 1) to explore whether and how unprogrammed factors or programmed FGM/C interventions (alternative rites of passage, legal and policy measures, religious-oriented approaches, promotion of girls’ education, intergenerational dialogues, use of rescue centers, and other undocumented approaches) influence community values deliberation in Narok and Kisii counties; 2) to …

Trends In Medicalisation Of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: What Do The Data Reveal?, Bettina Shell-Duncan, Carolyne Njue, Zhuzhi Moore

Reproductive Health

Despite the emergence of international consensus that female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a violation of human rights, a focus on medicalization remains salient because of concerns that FGM/C is increasingly being performed by healthcare professionals and may be impeding progress toward abandonment of FGM/C. To investigate these claims, this study draws on nationally representative survey data from 26 countries, and addresses the following three questions: 1) What are the major patterns and trends in medicalisation? 2) Is there an association between medicalization and rates of change in prevalence of FGM/C? and 3) Is there an association between medicalization and support …

Understanding Medicalisation Of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (Fgm/C): A Qualitative Study Of Parents And Health Workers In Nigeria, Otibho Obianwu, Adetayo Adetunji, Osasuyi Dirisu

Reproductive Health

This community-based, cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted in four communities in Nigeria’s Delta, and was conceptualized to address gaps in our understanding of medicalization of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and to provide critical evidence needed to effectively design abandonment interventions. The study findings reveal that the social norms driving FGM/C practice remain entrenched despite a shift to medicalization. They also reflect the tendency of parents and health workers to view FGM/C, whether traditional or medicalized, as a minor procedure with few complications and significant benefits that would positively impact a daughter’s future status as a wife and mother. Findings reveal …

Understanding The Key Elements For Designing And Implementing Social Marketing Campaigns To Inform The Development Of Creative Approaches For Fgm/C Abandonment In Sudan, Widad Ali A/Rahman, Samia Al Nagar, Randa H. Gindeel, Arwa Salah

Reproductive Health

Social marketing campaigns (SMCs) have gained prominence in female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) abandonment efforts, but there is a dearth of information on how these programs are designed and implemented, and their perceived impact. Understanding the implementation process and the effectiveness of these campaigns is critical for drawing lessons to improve existing programs and inform the design and scale up of SMCs in other regions/countries. This mixed-method study sought to address this gap by assessing the design and implementation of existing SMC programs in Sudan. While the study findings demonstrate several strengths of existing programs, including strong partnerships and extensive needs …

“Well, Don’T Walk Around Naked... Unless You’Re A Girl”: Gender, Sexuality, And Risk In Jamtronica Festival Subcultural Scenes, Kaitlyne A. Motl

Theses and Dissertations--Sociology

The purpose of this study was to explore emerging issues surrounding gendered fear, threat, and violence perpetration at music festivals – particularly events that feature a synthesis of jam band and electronic dance music acts – a genre termed jamtronica by its fans. Though gendered violence perpetration and prevention have been widely studied within other party-oriented settings (i.e., sexual violence perpetration on college campuses), very little research exists to address how wider disparities of gender and sexuality permeate a community whose members frequently claim the scene’s immunity from external inequalities.

In this three-year multi-sited ethnography, I incorporate participant observations, group …

Pololeo Y Protección: Las Barreras De Acceso A Métodos Anticonceptivos Para Adolescentes Vulnerables En La Comuna De Macul, Santiago De Chile / Pololeo Y Protección: Barriers To Access Contraceptive Methods For Vulnerable Adolescents In The District Of Macul, Santiago De Chile, Louisa Boswell

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

El embarazo adolescente sigue siendo un problema de salud pública al nivel nacional en Chile. Aunque por ley, todos tienen el derecho a una educación sexual y a elegir un método de control de fecundidad, todavía existen casos de embarazos no planificados, particularmente entre adolescentes. Este estudio investigó las barreras que limitan el acceso a métodos anticonceptivos para adolescentes, enfocando primariamente en el sistema público en la Región Metropolitana. Específicamente, la investigación consideró las adolescentes de la comuna de Macul, utilizando muestras de un colegio local y dos centros de salud familiar para hacer conclusiones. La investigadora entrevistó a matronas …

Sex Work And Compromised Health: Health Conditions And The Barriers To Accessing Treatment Services In Pelourinho, Salvador, Amelia Fox

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Sex workers remain one of the most marginalized populations in Brazilian society, both coming from and living within realities defined by poverty and poor health. Through partnership with Força Feminina – an organization located in Salvador, dedicated to aiding local sex workers– I explored the day-to-day health complications sex workers encounter and the impact these problems have on quality of life. I then questioned how discrimination and stigma impact a woman’s willingness to prioritize her health and seek out healthcare services. To pursue these questions, I utilized participant observation, interviews with 4 staff members – a pastoral educator, financial coordinator, …

The Latex Journey: A Narrative Approach To Exploring Condom Use, Stigma, And Education From The Perspective Of Women In Masxha, Kylie Yocum

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Although the South African National Department of Health (NDOH) is spending increasing amounts of money on improving their HIV programs (including the rollout of new, scented condoms for their condom distribution program), the rates of condom use at last sexual encounter are declining. This inquiry focused on young women in the neighborhood of Masxha, Cato Manor, and their opinions surrounding how condoms are being used or misused, as well as the gender norms that perpetrate this (mis)use. This inquiry demonstrated the narratives of these young women on factors such as condom acquisition, gendered stigma, and condom education, including the Life …

My Crown And Glory: Community, Identity, Culture, And Black Women’S Concerns Of Hair Product-Related Breast Cancer Risk, Dede K. Teteh, Susanne B. Montgomery, Sabine Monice, Laura Stiel, Phyllis Y. Clark, Eudora Mitchell

Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Articles

Breast cancer (BC) incidence rates for Black and non-Hispanic White women have recently converged; however, Black women continue to die at higher rates from the disease. Black women also use hair products containing hormonally active chemicals at higher rates than other races and ethnic groups. Studies now link chemical components in hair and personal care products to breast cancer risk. Using a community-based participatory research approach, this qualitative study explored community concerns about the role of hair products on breast cancer risk. Focus groups and key informant interviews using triangulation to assure relevant perspectives (women with and without breast cancer …

Research Brief: "Impact Of Military Trauma Exposures On Post-Traumatic Stress And Depression In Female Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about the relation between combat stressors, depression, and PTSD among female veterans. In policy and practice, health providers should refer female veterans to services if they have experienced military sexual trauma; the DoD and VA should conduct analysis on the experiences of service and veteran women, and how they can best support service women who experienced military sexual trauma. Suggestions for future research include using an expanded sample and more sampling strategies, as well as use clinical interviews to collect data.

Deconstructing Rape Culture Through An Exploration Of Consent, Desire, And Pleasure, Yael Rosenstock

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Desire and pleasure based education combats the notion of passive consent by prioritizing positive experiences for all members involved in sexual activities. A focus on desire requires that we learn and listen to our partner’s needs and respect their boundaries. It questions a patriarchal script of sex in which male pleasure, specifically when penetrating a partner, is the critical part of the sexual act. Sex motivated by mutual desire and pleasure forces us to step back and learn, not just about our partners but ourselves, so that we may communicate our wants and needs effectively.

To understand how to navigate …

Community Living Integration Club For Women In Recovery From Sex Trafficking, Toni Thompson

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Sex trafficking is one form of human trafficking, a heinous human rights violation that transcends international borders. People who have been trafficked often present with complex neurobehavioral, psychological, emotional, physiological, sensory, and developmental difficulties. The United Nations developed the international 3 p protocol to guide governmental agencies, non-governmental groups, and individuals in developing programs and legal actions of trafficking prevention, protection, and prosecution. Protection encompasses the recovery of trafficking survivors and community integration has been identified as an essential foundation for successful recovery. Measurable components of community integration include safe housing, stable employment, and vocation-focused education. This Capstone describes the …

Rape Crisis Center Professionals' Perception Of Sexual Violence Policy: A Qualitative Analysis, Stephanie Manieri

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

The purpose of this study is to collect information about the perceptions of rape crisis center professionals regarding the current policies surrounding sexual violence crimes that victimize people over the age of 18. This research aims to gather information about effective and ineffective policies from professionals who are first- responders to sexual assaults.

The Disappearance Of Nyoman And Ketut, Laura Michelle Garvie

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

No abstract provided.

Christians’ Cut: Popular Religion And The Global Health Campaign For Medical Male Circumcision In Swaziland, Casey Golomski, Sonene Nyawo

Anthropology

Swaziland faces one of the worst HIV epidemics in the world and is a site for the current global health campaign in sub-Saharan Africa to medically circumcise the majority of the male population. Given that Swaziland is also majority Christian, how does the most popular religion influence acceptance, rejection or understandings of medical male circumcision? This article considers interpretive differences by Christians across the Kingdom’s three ecumenical organisations, showing how a diverse group people singly glossed as ‘Christian’ in most public health acceptability studies critically rejected the procedure in unity, but not uniformly. Participants saw medical male circumcision’s promotion and …

Expanding Access To Integrated Family Planning Intervention Packages For Married Adolescent Girls In Urban Slums Of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Fauzia Akhter Huda, Hassan Rushekh Mahmood, Sadia Afrin, Anisuddin Ahmed, Nafis Al Haque, Bidhan Krishna Sarker

Reproductive Health

This research report describes an intervention study conducted among married adolescent girls aged 15–19 years in four urban slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Objectives of the study were to examine the acceptability and feasibility of forming married adolescent girls’ clubs, and involving community health volunteers (Shasthya Skebikas) and marriage registrars to increase access to family planning (FP) information and services, to promote the uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, and to provide FP information to newlywed couples at the time of marriage registration. The study findings revealed that a noteworthy number of married adolescent girls received FP-related information, mostly from the …

Adolescent Girls Initiative-Kenya: Health And Life Skills Audio Training Script, Wajir, Population Council

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

The Adolescent Girls Initiative project-Kenya (AGI-K) helps young, vulnerable adolescent girls build their social, health, and economic assets. AGI-K tests combinations of interventions in health, violence prevention, wealth creation, and education to determine which package of interventions delivers the most impact and at what cost. The project was led by Population Council and implemented in two marginalized areas 1) Kiberain Nairobi and 2) Wajir County in Northeastern Kenya by Plan International and Save the Children, respectively. This scripted guide was designed to support the delivery of the health, life skills, and nutrition sessions in Wajir in response to challenges with …

Adolescent Girls Initiative-Kenya: Financial Education Audio Training Script, Wajir, Population Council

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

The Adolescent Girls Initiative project-Kenya (AGI-K) helps young, vulnerable adolescent girls build their social, health, and economic assets. AGI-K tests combinations of interventions in health, violence prevention, wealth creation, and education to determine which package of interventions delivers the most impact and at what cost. The project was led by the Population Council and implemented in two marginalized areas, Kibera in Nairobi and Wajir county in Northeastern Kenya, by Plan International and Save the Children, respectively. This scripted guide was designed to support the delivery of the financial education sessions in Wajir in response to challenges with mentor capacity in …

Construyendo Activos Protectores En Niñas Adolescentes: Una Colección De Herramientas Para El Diseño De Programas, Population Council

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

Las niñas adolescentes se han convertido en una población clave para las iniciativas que promueven el empoderamiento, mejoras en salud y desarrollo en países de renta baja y media. Esta colección de herramientas se elaboró con el objetivo de proveer recursos a las organizaciones comprometidas con la expansión de sus programas, a modo que incluyan a los grupos y subpoblaciones de mujeres y niñas que han sido excluidas de la cobertura y participación comunitaria—como las niñas adolescentes que viven en los hogares y comunidades en mayores condiciones de pobreza, niñas adolescentes entre los 10 y 14 años que están fuera …

Campaña Del Lazo Blanco: Sesiones De Diálogo Para Su Promoción, Population Council

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

La Campaña de Lazo Blanco, promovida por UNFPA, se basa en el principio de incluir a los hombres como socios que promueven acciones comunitarias para incentivar la prevención de la violencia hacia la mujer. Esta guía para las sesiones de diálogo de la Campaña de Lazo Blanco en Guatemala fue desarrollada por el Population Council en el marco del Proyecto Interagencial de Prevención de la Violencia hacia las Mujeres. Este documento contiene herramientas para que participantes y facilitadores reflexionen sobre las formas de relacionamiento entre hombres y mujeres, identifiquen formas de violencia hacia las mujeres, y discutan sobre posibles soluciones …

What Do Users Really Want?, Saumya Ramarao, John Townsend, James Sailer

Reproductive Health

No abstract provided.

Addressing Pregnancy Prevention Needs Of Adolescents In East And Southern Africa Through Education And Health Sector Partnerships, Harriet Birungi, Chi-Chi Undie, Esther Lwanga Walgwe, Francis Obare, Caroline W. Kabiru, Joyce Mumah

Reproductive Health

No abstract provided.