Male involvement in a reproductive health programme: where we stand today. A critical review of the initiatives taken in India.

Since ICPD Cairo (1994) male involvement in reproductive health has become a fashionable topic and is mentioned in most forums addressing the issues of reproductive health gender equity and empowerment of women. Very little however is known about how to enhance male involvement. Given the patriarchal social structure of South Asian countries bringing about changes which strive to enhance male involvement and the gender equity this implies is not easy. Against this backdrop it is interesting to take a look at how the Ministry of Health and Family Planning Government of India (MOH&FP) which is committed to implementing ICPD Programme of Action is addressing these issues. What efforts have been made either by government or by NGOs to involve men in reproductive health and safe motherhood and what results have been achieved? Are innovative and replicable model(s) to enhance male involvement available? (authors)