1 Why Males in Bangladesh Do Not Participate In Reproductive Health: What are the Lessons Learned from the Focus Group Discussions

The paper explores the nature of males perception, attitude and knowledge on reproductive health issues and their opinions on how men’s participation could be increased. Data were generated through six focus groups organized among the men, in some selected NGOs working with males in Bangladesh. The analysis reveals that a complex web of social and cultural factors impede spousal communication regarding reproductive health issues and that discourage them to take their wives to health clinic. Findings suggest that economic pressure and cultural taboo are important reasons for not using contraception by men. In the FGDs men said that they do not feel comfortable in discussing sexually transmitted diseases. Most of the men in Bangladesh suffer from misinformation. Men need clear, factual information from relevant trusted sources to promote and ensure men’s participation in reproductive health services. They also suggested male workers to visit them at the household level. The analysis demonstrates that male involvement will be an important strategy to reach demographic goals in Bangladesh