Working with Young Men to Promote Sexual and Reproductive Health

This report explores the issue of young men's sexual health in developing countries. According to the authors "work concerning young men and sexuality has been largely neglected." Research through the Safe Passages to Adulthood programme was conducted on three different continents and produced many of the same conclusions.

Similar cultural attitudes often lead women to submit to men which leads to unprotected sex. Often men trying to be "manly" are pushed to be fearless and take risks. According to the findings, men are also more inclined to have several sexual partners and to use drugs. The report also describes men's behaviour and attitudes regarding their own sexual health but also how it affects the health of their partners.

The report suggests that alternative role models are needed "to replace the existing macho stereotypes, which endanger both the health of young men and their partners. Young men will be more likely to come to a group that covers wider issues than sexual health such as employment, sports and other leisure activities."

For a project to succeed in reaching your men it is important to:

• provide the workers with training to ensure services are youth-friendly and suitable for young men
• discuss how male roles and attitudes in their society influences them
• find acceptable alternatives to the masculine stereotypes which put young men at risk
• offer more than just sexual advice; providing sports, leisure activities and training for employment will broaden the appeal
• involve young men in setting up the project to make sure it meets their needs.

In conclusion, the authors note, "many projects have realised that when working with young men it is important to go beyond information about STIs and HIV/AIDS; for example, to explore gender issues. Some projects have helped young men think about the consequences of dominant versions of masculinity and have sought to provide them with alternatives. In acknowledgement of the realities of the lives of young men - especially those who live in poverty and difficult circumstances, some projects have attempted to support young men in the acquisition of vocational skills, as well as through the provision of opportunities for sport and recreation."