THE CASE FOR ENGAGING MEN AND FAITH LEADERS IN ADVANCING SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS (SRHR) IN THE PHILIPPINES
Photos credit: Vina Salazar– Oxfam 2019
Transforming Norms: The Case for Engaging Men and Faith Leaders in Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the Philippines
In the context of the Philippines, where cultural, religious, and patriarchal norms deeply influence gender roles, the Sexual Health and Empowerment (SHE) project has made significant strides in challenging these norms in the promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). This initiative, implemented across various communities by partners such as Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK), Al-Mujaadila Women’s Association (AMWA), Mayon Integrated Development Alternatives and Services Inc. (MIDAS), and Unyphil-Women, has challenged deep-seated gender norms and empowered communities to adopt more equitable SRH practices. By targeting those in influential positions—men and religious leaders—SHE has begun to shift the cultural landscape, promoting gender justice and reducing gender-based violence (GBV).
Engaging Men and Faith Leaders: Cultural Relevance and Influence
In many communities, men are the gatekeepers of cultural norms and practices, often holding the power to either perpetuate or challenge harmful behaviours. The SHE project recognized that without the involvement of men, efforts to advance SRHR would be incomplete. By involving men in discussions on SRHR, the project aimed to transform their roles from enforcers of traditional gender norms to allies in the fight for gender equality. This approach not only improved the acceptance of SRHR initiatives but also facilitated an environment where women could exercise their rights more freely and safely. Men’s participation in family planning decisions, for instance, shifted the dynamics within households, leading to more equitable relationships between spouses/partners.
On another occasion, the Subanen tribe’s cultural practices were challenged when men and faith leaders were engaged in discussions around gender equality and SRHR. One male advocate from PKKK openly recognized, “We are the violators,” signifying a shift in understanding and a commitment to change
Mario Dumpales, a village councilor of Pan-ay in Misamis Occidental province’s Clarin town, believes that to truly have gender equality, people need to join together and fight for what is right. For many years now, the 57-year-old has been among the leading advocates of Sexual Health and Empowerment (SHE) in their community.
“Men are often the decision-makers in families and communities. Engaging them in SRHR discussions ensures they understand the importance of shared decisionmaking and the rights of women and girls.”
—
PKKK ADVOCATE.
Photo: SHE team in Clarin town, Misamis Occidental Province
Transforming Norms: The Case for Engaging Men and Faith Leaders in Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the Philippines Table 1: Impact of Engaging Men in SRHR Initiatives
Gender Sensitivity for Men (GSM) Workshops (MIDAS)
Men Talk Sessions (AMWA)
Peer Educator Model (All Partners)
Kulo Kabildo (PKKK)
Unyphil-Women
Men developed a better understanding of power, gender relations, and SRHR, leading to increased involvement in family planning decisions and support to women’s empowerment.
Created safe spaces for men to discuss SRHR issues, reducing stigma and promoting open dialogue.
Trained men, community leaders, and Barangay leaders as peer educators, who then influenced their networks, challenging harmful norms.
Translates as “male conversations” centered on understanding power and gender relations, women’s rights and gender equality
Training allies from them the Muslim Religious Leader sectors such as Ustadz, and conduct of SRHR and gender equality conversations in madrasahs (Arabic schools). They also trained Barangay Peace Keeping Action Team, who are mostly made up of men, to monitor gender-based violence and CEFM in their local community.
Engaging Faith Leaders: Catalyzing Cultural Change
Faith leaders play a pivotal role in communities where religious beliefs are central to daily life. Recognizing their significant influence, the SHE project collaborated with leaders to promote SRHR in a way that aligns with traditional and religious teachings. This approach ensured that advocacy for women’s rights was seen as compatible with both cultural and religious values, which was crucial for gaining community trust.
In BARMM, for example, Muslim Religious Leaders (MRLs) began incorporating SRHR messages into their sermons, addressing harmful practices like child, early, and forced marriages (CEFM). This not only challenged traditional norms but also empowered faith leaders to become vocal advocates for gender equality, reshaping community attitudes and fostering a more supportive environment for gender justice.
“Faith leaders are not just spiritual guides; they are community leaders whose words carry immense weight. When they endorse SRHR, they signal to the community that these rights are not only permissible but are aligned with their religious values.”
— UNYPHIL-WOMEN PROJECT COORDINATOR
The She project successfully demonstrated that by framing SRHR within the context of religious teachings, faith leaders can effectively dispel misconceptions that these rights conflict with religious values. Their endorsement helps to reduce resistance to change and encourages communities to embrace practices that protect and promote well-being of women and girls, ultimately strengthening respect for human dignity and equality.
Luminto Toyontoc in Guminta village in Zamboanga Sibugay province southern Philippines. May 7, 2024. Luminto is a tribe leader of the Subanen, a tribe indigenous to the Zamboanga peninsula area and an advocate of women’s rights.
Basilio Sepe
Multi-Sectoral and Community-Driven
Approach to SRHR Advocacy
The SHE project’s partners, including Unyphil-Women and MIDAS, implemented a multi-sectoral approach that targeted different community levels, from grassroots to government. Unyphil-Women, for instance, utilized the “bibingka approach,” which simultaneously targets both the community and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Government to ensure widespread advocacy.
MIDAS, on the other hand, focused on engaging with male-dominated workplaces like fisherfolk communities and tricycle driver associations. They also developed a Gender Sensitivity Module (GSM) specifically for men, which emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in SRHR and gender equality.
Table 2: Partner Approaches and Key Outcomes
PKKK
Storytelling & Simulations “Tiktak ng Buhay” & Care Work Simulation
Increased appreciation for care work among men
UnyphilWomen Bibingka Approach Engaging BARMM Gov. & Community Organizing Men and boys became allies in ending GBV.
MIDAS Workplace Engagement
GSM Module & 24-Hour Profiling Activity
AMWA Family Conversations
Male champions advocating SRHR in their communities.
Separate & Combined Sessions for Parents & Youth Parents recognized and respected their children’s rights.
Photo:
Transformative Outcomes:Shifting Norms and Practices
The engagement of men and faith leaders across these communities has led to significant shifts in gender norms and practices. For instance, in areas where Unyphil-Women implemented their activities, male Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members gained a better understanding of gender-based violence, particularly on domestic violence which motivated them to actively monitor and address GBV in their communities. Similarly, AMWA reported that through “Family Conversations,” parents started to acknowledge and respect the rights of their children, challenging the norm that children must always obey their parents. Additionally, AMWA’s collaboration with male teachers and religious leaders resulted in the establishment of wellequipped SRHR hubs in schools. These spaces now offer students access to critical information and support on SRHR, which was previously unavailable. The involvement of male leaders in these initiatives has ensured broader community endorsement of these hubs.
Furthermore, as a result of MIDAS’s engagement with men and faith leaders, male community members started accompanying their wives to SRHR sessions. This marked a significant shift in traditional gender roles, where men rarely participated in such activities.
TRANSFORMATIVE OUTCOME CASE 1
Empowering Fathers through “Family Conversations”
In the patriarchal society of Marawi, where men traditionally held authority over family decisions, AMWA introduced the “Family Conversations” initiative as part of the SHE project. This innovative approach involved gathering entire families—fathers, mothers, and children—for structured discussions on SRHR, gender equality, and family dynamics.
During these sessions, fathers were encouraged to participate in conversations that challenged traditional gender roles and addressed the value of women’s contributions, particularly in the realm of care work. A key activity involved asking fathers to simulate the daily tasks performed by women, such as carrying heavy loads and completing household chores. This hands-on experience led many men to a newfound appreciation for the physical and emotional labour that women undertake.
The impact was profound. Fathers began to express greater respect for their wives’ work and acknowledged the importance of sharing household responsibilities. This shift in attitude extended beyond the home, as these men became advocates for gender equality within their communities. The “Family Conversations” initiative contributed to more equitable relationships within families and laid the groundwork for broader societal change by transforming how men viewed and valued the roles of women in both the private and public spheres.
“Men have commented that they did not realize that ‘women’s work’ is indeed tiring and challenging and have
greater respect for women.”
— PARTICIPANT FROM AMWA
Mobilizing Male Peer Educators for SRHR Advocacy
The SHE project strategically engaged men as peer educators in the coastal communities of Bicol, where traditional gender norms have long dictated men are the primary wage earners and decision-makers. Recognizing the influence that male community members have on one another, MIDAS trained a select group of men—comprising fisherfolk, tricycle drivers, and barangay officials—to become champions of SRHR.
The male peer educators were equipped with the knowledge and tools to lead discussions on SRHR, gender equality, and the prevention of genderbased violence within their own networks. By sharing personal experiences and modelling positive behaviours, the men were able to influence their peers in a way that conventional approaches could not.
The initiative led to a noticeable shift in community attitudes. Men who had previously been resistant to family planning began participating in discussions and making informed decisions alongside their partners. The presence of men advocates also helped reduce the stigma around men’s involvement in SRHR, making it more socially acceptable for men to openly support gender equality.
The success of this initiative was further evidenced by the increased participation of men in community events focused on SRHR and the incorporation of SRHR topics into local policy discussions. The peer educators’ efforts not only fostered a more inclusive approach to SRHR but also laid the foundation for long-term change by normalizing men’s involvement on such critical issues.
“Before, men thought that SRHR was only a woman’s concern, but now they see it as a shared responsibility. It’s about the well-being of the whole family.”
— MIDAS PEER EDUCATOR
Staff from FPOP and Jhpiego and BHWs from San Isidro Rural Health Unit gather for a FamilyPlanning Day San Isidro, Northern Samar.
Photo: FPOP
Faith Leaders as Champions of Gender Equality
Religious leaders play a crucial role in shaping community norms and values in the conflict-affected Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Understanding that religious teachings are deeply ingrained in the community’s daily lives, Unyphil-Women harnessed the influence of Muslim Religious Leaders (MRLs) to promote gender equality and SRHR. The organization prioritized educating and engaging MRLs to advocate for women’s rights within an Islamic framework.
Through a series of targeted workshops and dialogues, Unyphil-Women worked closely with progressive MRLs to reinterpret religious texts in ways that support the rights of women and girls. The leaders were trained to incorporate reinterpreted messages into their sermons and community teachings, emphasizing the importance of SRHR, preventing gender-based violence, and ending child, early, and forced marriages (CEFM).
The impact of this engagement was profound. Faith leaders, who were previously seen as gatekeepers of traditional norms, began to use their influence to promote gender justice. MRLs started discussing the importance of consent in marriage and the detrimental effects of CEFM on young girls in their Friday sermons. This not only shifted the community’s perceptions but also led to observable decrease in the number of child marriages and an increase in the number of girls attending school in targeted communities.
Moreover, the involvement of faith leaders lent significant credibility to the SRHR messages being promoted, as community members were more likely to trust and follow guidance that was aligned with their religious beliefs. This strategic engagement helped to break down resistance to change.
“When religious leaders speak, people listen. By promoting women’s rights from the pulpit, we are not just changing minds—we are changing lives.”
— UNYPHIL-WOMEN PROJECT COORDINATOR
Launch of the youth-led, multisectoral alliance of #GirlDefenders. Philippines.
Photo: Patricia Miranda/Oxfam
Key Lessons and Strategies for Sustained Impact
Transforming Norms: The Case for Engaging Men and Faith Leaders in Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the Philippines
The SHE project has shown that engaging men and faith leaders in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights is not only desirable but essential for advancing gender equality in deeply patriarchal societies. By strategically involving these influential groups, the project has contributed to transforming entrenched gender norms and establishing more equitable socio-cultural practices across communities in the Philippines.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
1. Non-Confrontational Messaging: It is important to frame SRHR advocacy in a way that avoids vilifying or alienating men, instead inviting them to become partners in the fight for gender equality. By focusing on shared goals and mutual benefits, the project encouraged men to participate actively in SRHR discussions, leading to more inclusive and sustainable outcomes.
2. Cultural Sensitivity: Success in diverse regions like BARMM was largely due to culturally sensitive approaches that respected religious and indigenous practices. Aligning SRHR advocacy with Islamic teachings and engaging traditional leaders like Timuays, ensure initiatives are perceived as respectful and aligned with community values, thereby overcoming resistance and encouraging acceptance.
3. Sustained Engagement: The project’s outcomes underscore the importance of ongoing dialogue to maintain progress and prevent backsliding. The experiences of PKKK with the Subanen Tribe and MIDAS’s continuous capacity-building efforts demonstrate that sustained engagement is crucial for reinforcing new norms and achieving lasting shifts.
The SHE project has made significant strides in advancing SRHR and promoting gender justice across culturally diverse regions in the Philippines. It has leveraged the influence of men, faith leaders, and traditional structures to improve the lives of thousands of women and girls and create more equitable and supportive communities. The lessons learned from this initiative provide a valuable roadmap for future interventions, highlighting the importance of culturally relevant program design, inclusive messaging, and sustained efforts in driving lasting societal change.
As these communities continue to evolve, the insights gained from the SHE project will be crucial in guiding further efforts to empower women and men alike, ensuring that the progress made is not only maintained but expanded upon in the years to come.
Prepared by Pushpita Saha Program Officer- Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Oxfam Canada
