Debate: Should family planning programs in patriarchal societies use limited funds to further empower women or to involve men?

Should FP programs in patriarchal societies use limited funds to further empower women or to involve men?

Tuesday 01 June 2021
15:00 - 16:15 UTC 

Watch the video-recording of the debate: 

• Written Q&As
• Chat file
• Summary-Closing remarks

The IUSSP Scientific Panel on Couples' Reproductive Health and Fertility organized a debate on 1 June 2021 on the topic: "Should family planning programs in patriarchal societies use limited funds to further empower women or to involve men?"

Four debaters took turns debating alternately in favor of one of the two positions: Anju Malhotra and Allen Kabagenyi argued to “further empower women” while Funmilola OlaOlorun and Nkechi Owoo argued to “involve men”. The webinar was introduced by IUSSP Panel chair Stan Becker and moderated by Neetu John. IUSSP Council member Jean-François Kobiane provided a summary and closing remarks. 

The webinar included a Q&A session with the audience, who were invited to cast their vote in favor of one of the arguments before and after the debate. 

INTRODUCTION

Stan Becker
Johns Hopkins University

MODERATOR

Neetu John
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

DEBATERS

Anju Malhotra
UN University International Institute of Global Health

Funmilola OlaOlorun
University of Ibadan

Allen Kabagenyi 
Makerere University

Nkechi Owoo
University of Ghana

SUMMARY AND CLOSING REMARKS