Male and Youth involvement in Infant and Young Child Feeding in Africa (IYCF)

In order for any issue that involves a society, be it from the family level or the community at large, to have a sustainable solution, cooperation between Men and Women is neccessary. This is due, in part, to the different roles ascribed upon the two parties through perceived differences and entrenched by years of practice. Men have always tended to shy away from the responsibilities and practicalities of infant and young child feeding, and this has caused significant harm. The involvement of Men, both young and old, is crucial in IYCF.

The Youth also have a hugely important role to play, both as vessels of change and as future parents themselves. In the African context youth and parentage are often coexistent in the same person and thus it is neccessary that the right beliefs are instilled at a young age, so that the young are empowered with the knowledge both to teach others and to make the right choices themselves.

Medical research has determined that breastfeeding is the best and the only natural source of nutrition for infants, providing a range of benefits for the infant’s growth, immunity, physical development, and cognitive development. Breastfeeding is not only good for the child; it has health benefits for the mother, because it reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage as well as breast and ovarian cancer. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months also makes it less likely that a woman will conceive again before her infant is six months old.

Research also shows that a mother is much more likely to breastfeed if her partner or parent is supportive of her doing so. A study showed that strong approval of breastfeeding by the father is associated with a 98% breastfeeding incidence, compared to just 26% when the father is indifferent about the feeding choice. Support from family has a considerable impact on a mother decision to continue breastfeeding. Often fathers, particularly first-time dads, feel that breastfeeding is not something they can be part of. However, studies have shown that assisting with bathing and nappy changing, making meals and snacks and knowing where to get the right breastfeeding information if needed, can make a big difference to the mother, especially in the early months. Breastfeeding needs supportive environment. With support and encouragement, women are more likely to feel confident about their ability to breastfeed. Although new mothers who are pregnant are encouraged to make a contact with their local breastfeeding support group before baby arrives, nevertheless men support is critical especially in the early days. We encourage mothers to share what they learn in maternal and child health clinics or breastfeeding support groups, with their partners and close family members.

In Africa in most cases men are responsible for making major decision in the family including sexuality and reproductive issues and IYCF. It is usually the man who decides how many children a woman is going to have and it is usually the man who decides whether a woman will use contraceptives or not. In the context of HIV and Infant Feeding, an HIV positive woman will have to make a decision on how she is going to feed her infant. This authority will most likely have to come from the man. This is one situation that must change but it will not change without active involvement of men themselves.

Several studies have shown that, society and its patriarchal norms has created a lot Gender inequalities which have resulted in women taking the blunt of the unfavourable practices. These can be observed in all aspects of a woman life. Most of these differences affect the woman social, economic and health status. Gender inequalities have also perpetrated gender based violence (GBV) which seems to be on the rise in Africa. This has a direct effect on the ability of a mother to breastfeed or feed and care for her infant. These are all issues of concern to IBFAN Africa.

IBFAN believes that in order for a woman to provide optimum breastfeeding, she needs to be in a very conducive environment. This would mean that she is getting emotional and physical support from her family and the community and most especially from her partner; and that she is in good health and that she supported economically by her family.

In view of the above, IBFAN Africa, together with her Global partners in the issues of Infant and young child feeding, has initiated programs on the involvement of men in IYCF and reproductive health interventions, especially with the high prevalence of HIV in Africa, is imperative. The involvement of the youth has also been found a very important aspect if the issue of Gender Equality is to be properly addressed. The youth are the fathers and mothers of tomorrow. IBFAN has found it imperative to sensitize the boys at an early age about the importance of gender equality. The girls to be made aware of the rights they have as human beings who deserve to treated equally to boys so that they grow up knowing that they should not allow themselves to be second class human beings who are made to serve men.

IBFAN Africa and WABA are campaigning on “Gender Equality” and “Men Initiative for Breastfeeding Action” since 2003. It is important to increase and enhance participation of fathers and men in parenting and supporting breastfeeding and sharing childcare and other domestic responsibilities. Greater involvement of men in caring and family tasks has been shown to improve men perception of women, including raising men awareness on women and children rights and reproductive health issues and safer sex. If men are actively involved in family activities they will feel more inclined to support efforts that ensure greater gender equality in all societies. This will bring about an enabling environment for breastfeeding, family health and well-being.

Through this programme area, IBFAN conducts activities as follows:

1. Conducting gender training for in-country network and its regional staff so that in turn these can conduct country level sensitization seminars to encourage gender equality and reproductive health for both men and women. IBFAN Africa in collaboration with WABA has held workshops on Gender issues where strategies for increasing youth and male participation in IYCF issues have been discussed and national plans of action developed.

2. Researching for relevant information and disseminating it widely to all its networks to encourage discussions around gender equality, mainstreaming of gender issues into our programmes and policy changes at the national level.

3. Promoting active youth and men involvement in all reproductive health projects including infant and young child feeding.

Examples of on going initiatives include:

In countries like Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Sao Tome & Principe, Mother Support Groups have become “father and mother” support groups.

In countries like Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Sao Tome & Principe, Mother Support Groups have become “father and mother” support groups.

a. Men from various communities and Men associations or church groups are trained in Infant and Young Child Feeding Issues.

b. Men have become trainers of other men on IYCF and HIV/AIDS and Infant issues and how they can become supportive fathers

c. In Tanzania, there is a Father Breastfeeding support group that does home visits whenever there is a new baby in the community, especially with new parents.

d. Men also provide support to breastfeeding mothers who need help, of course with the permission of the father

e. In Zambia, the government has designed a Programme to determine how they can get more involved in the Father Support Groups and a community participatory planning has been initiated in some parts of the country. This Programme seeks to involve both genders in all stages of planning.

f. IBFAN Africa has representation in the Youth Initiative and Global Father Support Initiative which is spear headed by WABA.