Senegal’s ‘Schools for Husbands’ Aim to Shift Gender Roles and Keep Mothers From Dying

August 26, 2025

of "School for Husbands" Initiative in Senegal In Senegal, a United Nations-backed "school for husbands" program trains respected male community members to promote gender equality and women's health within their communities. The initiative, which began in 2011 and now operates over 20 schools with more than 300 trained men, addresses the cultural context where men typically make major household decisions, including those related to women's healthcare. Community leaders like Imam Ibrahima Diane use their influence to encourage men to support their wives with household duties, advocate for hospital births, and improve access to reproductive health services.

Who is affected

Women and children in Senegal who previously had limited access to healthcare and reproductive services
Men who participate in the program and learn about positive masculinity
Families who experience improved dynamics and health outcomes
Rural and conservative populations where traditional gender roles are prevalent
Communities where maternal and infant mortality rates are high
Wives who now receive more support from their husbands in household duties

What action is being taken

The "school for husbands" program is training respected male community members across 20+ schools in Senegal
Imam Ibrahima Diane and other trained men are conducting sermons and community discussions about gender equality and reproductive health
Trained men are serving as peer educators, visiting homes and hosting informal talks
The Ministry of Women, Family, Gender and Child Protection is supporting the program as a strategy to combat maternal and infant mortality
Male participants are promoting hospital births instead of home deliveries
Community leaders are addressing stigma around issues like HIV and gender-based violence

Why it matters

In Senegal, men often have the final say in major household decisions, including women's health matters
The country recorded 237 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 21 newborn deaths per 1,000 in 2023
Women previously needed their husbands' permission for reproductive health services, hospital deliveries, or prenatal care
The program has led to reduced forced marriages and greater acceptance of family planning
Home births, which are riskier, have decreased as men encourage hospital deliveries
The UN aims to reduce global maternal deaths to 70 per 100,000 births and newborn deaths to under 12 per 1,000 by 2030

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint