Donna Kay Corcoran
Country: Australia
Background: International Development and Food Policy
Research Project: Add Men and Stir: A Case Study Investigating Teenage Pregnancy and Male Inclusion in Teenage Pregnancy Prevention
Sierra Leone has an estimated population of 5.6 million, approximately one third of which live in urban areas and more than 50% are below age 19. Teenage pregnancy has recently emerged as a societal issue. Each year global statistics estimate that 16 million girls aged 15 to 19 give birth and an uncounted number of births are to girls even younger (WHO, 2008a). Approximately 95% of these births occur in low and middle income countries, where early marriage is common (WHO, 2008b). There is sparse literature associated with the topic of male inclusion in teenage pregnancy prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to explore the socio-cultural factors associated with male inclusion in teenage pregnancy prevention in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The study was based on primary investigations and draws on a pilot project as a case study. Qualitative methods included focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with project participants and key stakeholders including teenage boys and girls, adult community members, health workers and project staff. Findings highlight the importance of analysing the axes of power and culture in the GAD approach. Findings indicate that patriarchal structures and gender norms can disempower women, men, boys and girls and inhibit better reproductive health. Understanding these and the possible changes, provide valuable insights with which to inform programmes. Therefore including males is important to support adolescent rights and improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health. However, sexual and reproductive health information alone is insufficient to address the barriers to better reproductive health. It is recommended that programmes seek to include gender transformative strategies, partnerships and advocacy efforts to improve address root causes and improve adolescent reproductive health.
Key words: Teenage Pregnancy, patriarchy, gender, masculinity, Sierra Leone
Word Count: 14,455