Gender transformative programmes: our Dean in BMJ

Shari L. Dworkin, Dean, School of Nursing and Health Studies, has featured in the BMJ Opinion, along with colleagues about their work on examining how gender transformative programmes with men advance women's health and empowerment. With the Beijing Platform for Action on Women (1995) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there has been an increased attention in engaging men in programmes to advance gender equality and women's health.

Masculine norms harm both gender equality and women's and men's health outcomes. Gender transformative interventions serve to challenge harmful gender norms and power structures. Specifically, these interventions work to prevent violence against women and contribute to reducing sexually transmitted infections and risks of HIV. A gender transformative approach will help prevent existing gender inequalities.

In order to ensure women's autonomy and empowerment, health interventions that engage males must seek equal gender power structures and counter harmful gender norms. Read more about the focus on work with men to improve women's empowerment and health: https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2020/08/19/how-can-gender-transformative-programmes-with-men-advance-womens-health-and-empowerment/