Re-conceptualising gender and power relations for sexual and reproductive health: contrasting narratives of tradition, unity, and rights

Figures & data

Table 1. Perceptions of an ideal relationship and spouse, by marital status and gender (cathexis).

	Married Men	Married Women	Unmarried Men	Unmarried Women	Shared by all groups
Ideal Wife	God-fearing Beautiful Does not gossip/share secrets	(not asked)	Beautiful Hardworking	Obedient Does not gossip	Respectful Loving Trustworthy Virtuous
Ideal Husband	Understanding Cooperates with wife Uses power wisely	Understanding Loves her relatives Obedient (gives wife what she wants)	Religious Respectful Does not drink/smoke	Fertility Respectful Religious Does not drink/smoke Appearance HIV-negative	Loving Trustworthy Good provider
Ideal Relationship	Understanding each other Satisfying and regular sex Peace Relatives treated right	Understanding each other	Satisfying and regular sex	Good communication	Love Cooperation Mutual respect Trust Testing for HIV together

Table 2. Perceptions of what it means to be a household head, by marital status and gender (sexual division of labour).

Married Men	Married Women	Unmarried Men	Unmarried Women	Shared by all groups
Owner of the house The one who proposes marriage The older spouse The one in control of the budget	The one who works The one who sets the rules The owner of the house The problem-solver The planner for the family’s future	The one who proposes marriage The older spouse The one with most responsibility	The problem solver The one with most responsibility	The decision-maker The leader/ruler of the family The provider, breadwinner, or one who takes care of household needs

Table 3. Perceptions of what makes people feel powerful in their relationships, by marital status and gender (sexual division of power).

Married Men	Married Women	Unmarried Men	Unmarried Women	Shared by all groups
Respect from leadership Open communication Bearing children Farming	Sex Sexual satisfaction Saying ‘no’ to husband Ruling family with husband Love When the husband does what you ask When the husband listens to your advice	Decision-making Giving the wife rules When women obey	When the husband does what you ask When the husband listens to your advice	Love