August 19, 2025

In Senegal’s capital Dakar, a unique initiative known as the “school for husbands” has been making significant strides in transforming traditional gender norms and improving maternal and child health outcomes.

This United Nations-backed program invites respected male community leaders to learn about “positive masculinity” and reproductive health, encouraging them to share these messages within their communities.

The impact offers valuable lessons for Nigeria as it seeks to address similar cultural barriers to women’s health and gender equality.

Encouraging Male Participation in Household and Health Responsibilities

In many parts of Nigeria, like Senegal and some other African countries, men traditionally hold authority over key household decisions, including those related to reproductive health and access to medical care.

Often, women need their husbands’ permission to use family planning services or seek prenatal and hospital care. Senegal’s program addresses these challenges by engaging men directly, helping them understand the importance of supporting their wives through pregnancy and childcare.

For example, Ibrahima Diane, a Senegalese imam trained in the school, now incorporates messages about shared domestic duties and healthcare support into his sermons.

His influence has led some men in Dakar to become more involved in household chores and take active roles as caring fathers, an approach that could resonate with Nigerian religious and community leaders to promote similar change.

Impact on Maternal and Infant Health
Senegal continues to face high maternal and infant mortality rates despite improvements over the past decade. A major barrier has been the preference for home births and mistrust of hospitals, fueled by concerns over cost and cultural norms.

The program’s peer educators trained men who visit families and conduct informal discussions have helped shift perceptions by emphasising the safety benefits of hospital deliveries.

This model could help Nigeria tackle its own maternal health challenges. Nigeria records one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, partly due to home births and limited male involvement in maternal care.

Training local male leaders to advocate for skilled birth attendance and prenatal care could increase acceptance of healthcare services and reduce preventable deaths.

Changing Gender Norms through Trusted Community Leaders

The program selects men who are married, respected, and supportive of women’s rights as peer educators. Their position of trust enables them to challenge entrenched patriarchal norms without alienating their communities.

In Nigeria, similar recruitment of influential men such as traditional chiefs, religious leaders, and community elders could promote gender equality messages more effectively than outsider campaigns.

Participants have reported changes ranging from reduced use of coercive gender norms to greater acceptance of family planning and opposition to gender-based violence. These outcomes demonstrate that shifting male attitudes at the community level can create ripple effects benefiting women and children.

A Model for Nigeria’s Gender and Health Goals
Senegal’s “school for husbands” offers a promising approach for Nigeria to boost male involvement in reproductive health, challenge harmful gender norms, and improve maternal and infant outcomes.

By training trusted men as community advocates and focusing on positive masculinity, Nigeria could see more supportive family dynamics and better health-seeking behaviors.

Given Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with maternal mortality and gender inequality, adopting and adapting lessons from Senegal’s experience could accelerate progress toward national health goals and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Targets by 2030.

AP with additional reporting from Political Economistng