Launching and Promoting the Female Condom in Eastern and Southern Africa (UNAIDS, 1999, 25 p.): II. Major themes: I. Involving and targeting men

Launching and Promoting the Female Condom in Eastern and Southern Africa (UNAIDS, 1999, 25 p.)

II. Major themes

		A. Efficacy
		B. Acceptability
		C. Price and procurement
		D. Social marketing
		E. The role of empowerment and gender equity
		F. Networking and collaboration
		G. Multi-sectoral involvement
		H. Sharing of resources within the public and private sector
		I. Involving and targeting men
		J. Importance of interpersonal communication
		K. Training
		L. Importance of political support
		M. Female condom promotes reproductive health
		N. Resources
		O. Regional follow-up

I. Involving and targeting men

Although a woman inserts the female condom into her vagina, it usually requires the knowledge and consent of her male partner. Culturally in the region, men are in charge of their family’s health (including reproductive health). Therefore, they need to feel included in the decision to use this product by their wives and girlfriends. Men must be included within the target group. Experience in Zimbabwe and Zambia reveals that men also play a significant role as consumers of the product. Promotional and educational materials must be directed towards both men and women (in Zimbabwe, the product was geared towards couples). Furthermore, by including men, countries are fulfilling their agreement to broaden their health initiatives to include reproductive health.