Trimming taboos and shaping conversations on SRHR for men

Mr. Lazarus Ndiilenga from the Youth Empowerment Group speaking with participants at the #BeFree Barbershop. ©OneEconomyFoundation

WINDHOEK, Namibia - Under the umbrella of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Leaving No One Behind project and with the gracious support of the Japanese Government, the #BeFree Movement hosted the #BeFree Barbershop on 4 September 2023 to stimulate much-needed dialogue among men on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

Held in the Khomas Region at the #BeFree Youth Centre in Katutura the event promoted open discussions about men's role in promoting women's SRHR.

The dialogue was led by Mr. Lloyd Sikeba from Special Olympics Namibia, who discussed the significance of men accessing healthcare; Mr. Lazarus Ndiilenga from the Youth Empowerment Group who focused on men's sexual health; and Mr. Bruce Hansen from the Fatherhood Foundation, who discussed healthy sexual relations and behaviors.

Following the dialogue, the #BeFree Movement organized for men and boys to receive haircuts from a local business, Tatekulu Barbershop, to create awareness amongst those in the surrounding areas of the #BeFree Youth Centre.

Engaging discussions at the #BeFree Barbershop instilled a sense of empowerment in men, encouraging them to place greater importance on their health and challenge prevailing social and gender norms that tend to dissuade men from seeking healthcare, particularly in the realm of sexual and reproductive health. ©OneEconomyFoundation

Men play a pivotal role in improving sexual reproductive health outcomes for everyone, including ending preventable maternal deaths, preventing teenage pregnancy, reducing sexual gender-based violence and HIV, and enhancing the uptake of family planning.

Thanks to the invaluable support from the Government and People of Japan, the Leaving No One Behind project was able to create a safe environment where men felt encouraged to openly communicate with their partners about family planning, contraceptive use, and reproductive health services.

The Leaving No One Behind project aims to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services in Namibia. Its primary objectives are to restore dignity, shape the future, and address gender-based violence and negative reproductive health outcomes for women, girls, men, and boys in the country.