Community Dialogue to Shift Social Norms and Enable Family Planning: An Evaluation of the Family Planning Results Initiative in Kenya
Outcomes: Gender‑Based Violence, Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways The intervention successfully challenged norms that limited women’s reproductive autonomy and discouraged FP use. Dialogues helped normalize FP discussions, reduced stigma, and encouraged joint decision-making. Involving respected local figures and modeling positive behaviors created social permission for men to engage more equitably in reproductive health. The findings show how social norms can be reshaped through participatory, community-driven approaches.
Objectives This study evaluated a community-based intervention in Siaya County, Kenya, that aimed to shift social and gender norms surrounding family planning (FP). It explored whether ongoing dialogues could improve FP acceptability, transform gender dynamics, and increase the use of modern contraceptives among married couples.
Methods Researchers conducted household surveys at baseline (2009) and endline (2012) with over 1,800 married men and women, using statistical methods including propensity score matching and logistic regression. Additionally, in-depth interviews with 10 couples were conducted to understand changes in communication, gender roles, and FP decision-making.
Intervention Details CARE’s Social Analysis and Action approach trained 150 community facilitators who led over 750 public dialogues across three years. Dialogues were held in markets, churches, and community meetings, and encouraged open discussion of gender norms and FP. Local leaders and satisfied FP users acted as role models to reduce stigma and support open couple communication.
Results Modern contraceptive use increased significantly—from 34% to 51% among women and from 28% to 52% among men. Among women, exposure to FP-focused dialogues was associated with significantly higher odds of using modern contraception. Key enablers included better spousal communication, higher self-efficacy, and economic autonomy. For men, use was strongly tied to approval of FP and more equitable gender views.
Conclusions Community dialogues can effectively shift gender norms, improve couple communication, and increase FP use. These results support integrating norm-shifting strategies into reproductive health programs, particularly those involving both men and women in sustained community discussions.
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