Gender, generation and social mobilisation: Challenges of reproductive health and rights among vulnerable groups in Ethiopia, Sudan and Tanzania

Project summary

The initiative involves partners from universities in Sudan (Ahfad University for Women) and Ethiopia (Addis Ababa University) and Tanzania (Institute of Social Work) in addition to the partners in the present NUFU project (PR27/02) at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania (Department of History, School of Nursing) and Bergen University College. The thematic focus of this follow up project moves beyond HIV prevention and AIDS care, to an assessment of vulnerability- and stigma (risks), as well as rights- and mobilisation-related aspects (resources) of a set of particularly challenging reproductive health issues, namely: mother to child transmission of HIV (MTCT), obstetric and traumatic fistula (OF), female genital cutting (FGC) and unsafe abortion (UA). Gender- and generational perspectives, as well as critical theory/political economy inform the studies. The project is developed by scholars from the social sciences, health sciences, humanities, psychology and medicine with substantial experience in relevant research. It employs a combination of qualitative research approaches. Reproductive health is located at the heart of the UN?s millennium goals, and is found within the institutions? research priorities. The proposed project involves capacity building (seven PhD and five MA students, primarily female, south based students), curriculum development, research and dissemination.