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International Journal for Equity in Health

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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Climate Change | Research

Opportunities for gender transformative approaches in a community-based drowning reduction program in Bangladesh

Authors: M. Gupta, A. Rahman, N. C. Dutta, D. Nambiar, R. Ivers, J. Jagnoor

Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Community-based programs in rural low-and middle-income country settings are well-placed to conduct gender transformative activities that aid program sustainability and catalyse wider social change, such as reducing gender inequities that in turn improve health outcomes. The Anchal program is a drowning prevention intervention for children aged 1–5 years old in rural Bangladesh. It provides community crèche-based supervision delivered by local trained paid-female volunteers. We aimed to identify the influence of the Anchal program on gender norms and behaviours in the community context, and the effects these had on program delivery and men and women’s outcomes.

Methods

Qualitative in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and observations were conducted with program beneficiaries and providers. Gender outcomes were analysed using FHI 360’s Gender Integration Framework.

Results

The Anchal program was found to be a gender accommodating program as it catered for communities’ gender-based roles and constraints but did not actively seek to change underlying beliefs, perceptions and norms that led to these. The program in some cases enhanced the independence and status of female community staff. This changed perceptions of communities towards acceptable levels of physical mobility and community involvement for women. Conversely, gender affected program delivery by reducing the ability of female supervisory staff to engage with male community leaders. The double burden of wage and household labour carried by local female staff also limited performance and progression. Gender-based constraints on staff performance, attrition and community engagement affected efficiency of program delivery and sustainability.

Conclusions

The Anchal program both adapted to and shaped community gender norms and roles. The program has well-established relationships in the community and can be leveraged to implement gender transformative activities to improve gender-based equity. Health programs can broaden their impacts and target social determinants of health like gender equity to increase program sustainability and promote equitable health outcomes.

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Title: Opportunities for gender transformative approaches in a community-based drowning reduction program in Bangladesh
Authors: M. Gupta
A. Rahman
N. C. Dutta
D. Nambiar
R. Ivers
J. Jagnoor
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Climate Change
Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1475-9276
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-020-01226-z

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Opportunities for gender transformative approaches in a community-based drowning reduction program in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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