Gender and Sexual Health

Gender and sexual health-related issues are fundamental to people’s reproductive health experiences and outcomes. Although strides have been made in recent years, gender inequality remains a major determinant of sexual and reproductive health outcomes for girls and women. ANSIRH research examines the impacts of gender-based power and gender norms on contraceptive use, pregnancy, abortion, and childbearing, and the opposite - how reproductive health practices and behavior can impact power and autonomy. For a review of measures on gender autonomy, see our Database of Gender Empowerment Measures.

Our research also examines how structural and social factors impact HIV prevention and treatment, both on a national and global scale. ANSIRH utilizes quantitative, qualitative, social network, and community engaged approaches to improve outcomes in underreached populations. ANSIRH research has helped show that social network-based approaches can increase HIV testing, and linkage to HIV prevention and treatment among mobile populations. 

We also investigate how reproductive health services can be made more available and welcoming for the LGBTQIA+ community. People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, or queer face unique challenges to achieving sexual and reproductive autonomy and well-being.