Gender Inequality and the Sexual and Reproductive Health Status of Young and Older Women in the Afar Region of Ethiopia.

Muluken Dessalegn,Mhiret Ayele,Virginia Stulz,Geteneh Mogess,Sintayehu Abebe,Genetu Addisu,Haset Solomon,Yeshitila Hailu

doi:10.3390/ijerph17124592

Muluken Dessalegn, Mhiret Ayele + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124592

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Abstract

The main purpose of this research was to analyze gender context in the Afar region of Ethiopia and propose a set of strategies or actions to improve adolescent and youth health. Using a pre-established gender analysis framework, an explorative qualitative study was conducted in five districts. Sixteen key informants and eight focus group discussions were conducted among adult women and men of young adolescents and youth. The study revealed that younger and older women are the most disadvantaged groups of the society. This is due to the high workload on women and girls (housekeeping, building a house and taking care of cattle and children), they also are less valued, have no control over resources and have no part in decision making, including their personal life choices. As a result, they rarely access school and health facilities. They are forced get married according to arranged marriage called “absuma.” As such, they suffer from multiple reproductive health problems. Women have poor decision-making autonomy, lack control over resources, have limited participation in socio-economic practices, and experience child and early forced marriage, and this poor service utilization has exposed them to the worst sexual and reproductive health outcomes.

Highlights

Achieving the third and fifth United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce maternal morbidity, mortality, and gender inequality by the year 2030 are amongst the most pertinent targets for women’s health [1]
The findings of the study are presented in line with the dimensions used in the gender analysis framework
We have provided background information about the legal and policy frameworks related to gender

Summary

Introduction

Achieving the third and fifth United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce maternal morbidity, mortality, and gender inequality by the year 2030 are amongst the most pertinent targets for women’s health [1]. Achieving universal health coverage, including access to essential health care services by 2030, has been a top priority for developing countries. The 2030 Agenda promises to put an end to barriers that prevent younger and older women from realizing their full potential [1,2]. Despite the numerous development programs that promote women worldwide, disparity in health and many other gender-related indicators remain at stake and significant challenges lie ahead. High morbidities and mortalities remain the challenges of health care programs and policies/strategies, in low-income countries [1,3]. Public Health 2020, 17, 4592; doi:10.3390/ijerph17124592 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph

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