Effets identitaires de la socialisation différentielle de genre sur les aspirations au premier enfant et au mariage des jeunes adolescent(e)s à Ouagadougou: une étude mixte.

Studies show that gender socialisation shapes differently the gendered identity, self-esteem, and sexual behaviours of girls and boys. While pre-adolescence is viewed as a pivotal period for gendered socialisation, few studies in francophone Africa investigate the role of gender identity effects on aspirations and sexual and reproductive behaviours at this life stage. This article explores how the internalisation of gender stereotypes during socialisation is linked to the aspirations of girls and boys for certain life events, such as having their first child or getting married. A survey was conducted in 10 primary schools in Ouagadougou, among pupils aged between 9 and 16 years, as well as seven focus group discussions with their parents. The findings indicate a gender-based variation in the effects of adherence to unequal gender norms among young adolescents. As a result, girls tend to have earlier aspirations towards marriage and later aspirations for childbearing, while boys show earlier aspirations for childbearing and later ones for marriage. These effects may expose both girls and boys to risks of poor sexual and reproductive health. Interventions promoting egalitarian gender norms could boost girls' self-esteem as well as mutual respect among young adolescents of both genders, aiming to improve their sexual and reproductive health during adolescence and into adulthood.

RésuméDes études montrent que la socialisation de genre développe différemment chez les filles et les garçons leur identité sexuée, leur estime de soi et leurs comportements sexuels. Alors que la préadolescence est considérée comme une période charnière de la socialisation genrée, peu d'études en Afrique francophone questionnent le rôle des effets identitaires de genre sur les aspirations et les comportements sexuels et reproductifs à cette étape de vie. Cet article examine la manière dont l'intériorisation des stéréotypes de genre au cours de la socialisation est associée aux aspirations qu'ont les filles et les garçons pour certains événements de leurs vies comme avoir un premier enfant ou se marier. Une enquête a été réalisée dans 10 écoles primaires de Ouagadougou, auprès d'élèves âgé(e)s entre 9 et 16 ans, ainsi que sept discussions de groupes avec leurs parents. Les résultats montrent une variation selon le sexe des effets de l'adhésion aux normes de genre inégalitaires chez les jeunes adolescent(e)s. Cela a pour conséquence de développer des aspirations, chez les filles plus précoces au mariage et plus tardives à l'enfantement, et chez les garçons, plus précoces à l'enfantement et plus tardives au mariage. Ces effets peuvent exposer les filles et les garçons à des risques de mauvaise santé sexuelle et reproductive. Des interventions promouvant des normes égalitaires de genre pourraient renforcer l'estime de soi des filles ainsi que le respect mutuel entre les jeunes adolescent(e)s des deux sexes afin d'améliorer leur santé sexuelle et reproductive à l'adolescence et à l'âge adulte.

Intersectional discrimination, gender-based violence, and social participation of women with disabilities in Burkina Faso.

This study used in-depth interviews with a diverse sample of women with disabilities in Burkina Faso to explore how discrimination based on gender and disability intersects and influences exposure to violence, as well as the impact of such discrimination on social participation, a theme barely studied in West Africa. The study thematically analysed the narratives of 35 women with disabilities - including mental, physical, auditory and visual - (age range = 15-53), rural and urban that were collected through four focus groups and eight case stories of rape survivors. As presented in the statements of the women surveyed, the combination of stereotypes and prejudices linked to disability and unequal gender relations make these women predominantly vulnerable to gender-based violence, especially sexual violence. This increased vulnerability to sexual assault emphasises the processes of social exclusion these women experience, at all levels of society, which for most of them results in limited social participation. The findings of this study showed the need for policies related to women's empowerment and inclusion of people with disabilities to adopt an intersectional approach, to better consider the specific issues of women with disabilities.

Potential user interest in new long-acting contraceptives: Results from a mixed methods study in Burkina Faso and Uganda.

Method-related concerns represent an important cause of contraceptive non-use and discontinuation. User preferences must be incorporated into the design of new contraceptive technologies to ensure product success and improve family planning outcomes. We assessed preferences among potential users in Burkina Faso and Uganda for six contraceptive methods currently under development or ready for introduction: a new copper intra-uterine device (IUD), a levonorgestrel intra-uterine system, a new single-rod implant, a biodegradable implant, a longer-acting injectable, and a method of non-surgical permanent contraception. Questions were added to nationally-representative PMA2020 household surveys that asked 2,743 and 2,403 women in Burkina Faso and Uganda, respectively, their interest in using each new method. We assessed factors associated with interest through multivariable logistic regression models. We conducted qualitative interviews and focus groups with 398 women, 78 men, and 52 family planning providers and key informants to explore perceived advantages and disadvantages of the methods. Respondents expressed interest in using all new methods, with greatest interest in the longer-acting injectable (77% in Burkina Faso, 61% in Uganda), followed by a new single-rod implant. Least interest was expressed in a new copper IUD (26% Burkina Faso, 15% in Uganda). In both countries, women with less education had higher odds of interest in a longer-acting injectable. Interest in most new methods was associated with desiring a method lasting longer than one year and acceptance of lack of menstrual bleeding as a contraceptive side effect. Perceived advantages and disadvantages were similar between countries, including concerns about menstrual side effects and fear of the biodegradable nature of the biodegradable implant. Potential users, their partners, and providers are interested in new longer-acting methods, however, familiar forms including the injectable and implant may be the most immediately acceptable. A biodegradable implant will require clear counseling messages to allay potential fears.

Developing acceptable contraceptive methods: Mixed-method findings on preferred method characteristics from Burkina Faso and Uganda.

Background: Unmet need remains high in developing regions. New contraceptive technologies may improve uptake and use. This study examines desirable product characteristics. Methods: We added a module to the female questionnaire of the PMA2020 surveys in Burkina Faso and Uganda and conducted 50 focus group discussions (FGDs) with women, 10 FGDs with men, and 37 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with providers across the two countries. FGDs with women and IDIs with providers included a semi-structured ranking exercise on pre-selected product characteristics. Results: Effectiveness, duration, few side effects, cost, and access were the characteristics most commonly reported as important in choosing a method by survey respondents across both countries. Half or more of women surveyed in each country would like a method that lasts at least one year, while 65% in Burkina Faso and 40% in Uganda said they would use a method causing amenorrhea. Qualitative findings show that women want methods with minimal and predictable side effects. Reactions to increased bleeding were negative, especially in Burkina Faso, but perspectives on reduced bleeding were more mixed. Women and providers preferred methods that are discreet and not user-dependent, and associate duration with convenience of use. Some women in Uganda expressed concerns about the invasive nature of long-acting methods, and cost was an important consideration in both countries. In the ranking exercise, discreet use and few side effects often ranked high, while causing amenorrhea and not requiring a pelvic exam often ranked low. Conclusion: Product development should consider user preferences for success in these settings.