Masculinities, Faith and Peace Project Baseline Report: Quantitative Data Analysis Report.
Outcomes: Gender‑Based Violence, Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways The Masculinities, Faith, and Peace (MFP) baseline study highlights key gaps between personal attitudes and perceived social norms related to family planning (FP), gender roles, and intimate partner violence (IPV) in Plateau State, Nigeria. Individuals often hold more progressive views than they believe others in their community do, suggesting misperceptions that may reinforce harmful practices. Religious leaders and institutions play a crucial role in shaping norms, and engaging them in dialogue and reflection presents a powerful opportunity for norm change.
Objectives The study aimed to assess baseline levels of FP use, IPV, gender norms, and social cohesion among young couples in Christian and Muslim congregations, to inform and later evaluate a faith-based, norm-shifting intervention.
Methods Using a cluster randomized controlled trial design, the study surveyed 831 participants from 20 congregations (10 intervention, 10 control). Participants were cohabiting couples within five years of marriage, with no child over four. Surveys measured attitudes, behaviors, and both injunctive (approval) and descriptive (typicality) norms, with reference groups identified through participatory formative research using the Social Norms Exploration Tool (SNET). Factor analysis was used to construct norm indices.
Intervention Details Adapted from the Transforming Masculinities approach, the MFP intervention engages young couples, religious leaders, and congregations through eight-week community dialogues, faith-based workshops, and health education sessions. Themes include FP, gender equality, IPV prevention, and interfaith collaboration. Trained “gender champions” facilitate small group sessions, and messages are diffused through sermons and community events.
Results At baseline, 41.6% of non-pregnant respondents reported using modern FP, though approval and perceived use varied by life stage and religion. Nearly 70% reported experiencing or perpetrating IPV in the past year, and many believed scripture justified IPV despite personally disapproving of it. Male household participation was low but generally supported in principle. Perceptions of interfaith mistrust were high, particularly among Christians, though most respondents supported religious leaders working across faiths.
Conclusions The findings identify key areas for normative change—particularly around misperceived norms, religious influence, and life-stage specific beliefs. The MFP intervention is well-positioned to shift these dynamics through community-led dialogue, religious engagement, and strengthened access to FP services. Endline results will assess changes over 18 months.
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