MenCare+ in South Africa: findings from a gender transformative young men’s group education on sexual and reproductive health and rights

Abstract

This paper details findings from an evaluation of a gender-transformative sexual and reproductive health and rights group education programme facilitated with young men aged 15–24 years in South Africa. A total of 475 young men participated in the group education programme. A self-administered pre- and post-questionnaire survey was conducted with a sample of the participants, and focus group discussions were facilitated. A total of 265 young men completed both the pre and post-questionnaires. Findings from the surveys as well as the focus group discussions showed positive changes in gender equitable attitudes, contraception and condom use. Results indicate that the young men who participated in the group education learned to identify harmful gender norms and actively questioned these constructs both within their personal lives and in the broader community. The intervention enabled some participants to envision alternative versions of masculinity and femininity, thus enabling them to adopt a new way of being, with transformed attitudes concerning household and gender roles.

Keywords:

• Sexuality education
• sexual health
• young men
• gender attitudes
• South Africa

Acknowledgements

This study would not have been possible without the young men who participated in this study. Their openness and willingness to participate provided us with valuable insight to aid in the planning of future interventions that seek to strengthen sexual and reproductive health education and access to services and work in pursuit of gender equality.