The Gender Agenda

We had an interesting discussion after the speakers had finished presenting at the session, 4A, ‘Gender Norms: Correlates and Consequences.’

In response to the presentation on, ‘Sexual Harassment as a Reproductive Health Challenge for Female Nigerian Undergraduates,’ someone in the audience said that oftentimes females invite harassment by the way they dress. It was noteworthy that the session moderator, Bene Madunagu stated in no uncertain terms that nobody could possibly dictate how an individual chooses to dress and that cannot be used as an excuse to harass a female. She also mentioned that if that were the case, swimming pools would be rather unsafe places! The entire audience (will not comment on the gender distribution there!) applauded in consent!!

Commenting on Rajib Acharya’s presentation, ‘Adverse Health Outcomes of Physical and Sexual Violence Within Marriage: Experiences of Young Women in Maharashtra, India,’ someone in the audience said that it was counterintuitive to think of sexual experience within marriage as nonconsensual. Once again, the session chair, Margaret Greene emphasized that willingness for sex is as important within marriage as outside. She also explained that young married females are particularly vulnerable particularly in settings like India where gender power imbalances make violent behaviors from husbands acceptable and prevent negotiation among partners.

It is clear that as we work towards taking the agenda of reproductive and sexual health of youth forward, we need to examine our own attitudes and behaviors!

Jaya, MBBS, DrPH ’06, MPH ’01, received a dissertation grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health and now works with the Public Health Foundation of India