For years, society treated reproductive health like it belonged in a pink box, tucked away and handed only to women, something whispered about in girls-only conversations or hidden behind pharmacy counters. Men were expected to stay out of it, and many did. Some still do.
But the truth is this: reproductive health affects everyone, directly or indirectly. It’s not just about female anatomy or periods or childbirth. It’s about life, relationships, responsibility, and health for all.
Let me explain:
1. Men are part of the reproductive story too:
No one gets pregnant alone.
No one navigates fertility alone.
No one raises children in isolation.
Men are partners in sex, fertility, parenting, and decision-making. Yet, many grow up without proper education on these topics. Many still don’t know how their own reproductive systems work, let alone how to support their partners’.
This lack of knowledge doesn’t just hurt women. It leads to poor decision-making, broken relationships, delayed care, and emotional distress for everyone involved.
2. Fathers, brothers, husbands, sons all have a role to play
Reproductive health isn’t just relevant to men as partners, it matters because of the women in their lives.
● A father who understands menstruation will not shame his daughter for period stains or leave her to suffer in silence.
● A brother who knows about menstrual pain can be a supportive friend, not a mocker.
● A husband who understands postpartum depression or miscarriage is more likely to stand by his wife with compassion rather than confusion or detachment.
● A male teacher or leader who is informed can advocate for inclusive policies and safe spaces for young girls.
When men are educated, they become advocates instead of bystanders and when men show up, society shifts.
3. When reproductive health fails, society suffers:
Reproductive health is connected to so many issues we all face:
• Teenage pregnancy leads to school dropouts.
• Period poverty keeps girls out of classrooms.
• Gender-based violence often has roots in poor sexual health education.
• Maternal mortality is a crisis that robs families of mothers, daughters, wives.
When these issues are seen as “women’s issues,” they’re underfunded, under-discussed, and misunderstood.
But when society wakes up and says, “This affects us all” then we start to see policy change, deeper conversations, and real compassion.
So What Can We Do?
1. Educate boys and men. Not as an afterthought, but intentionally.
Include men in sexual and reproductive health programmes. As learners, as advocates, as leaders.
2. Create environments where men and women can talk openly about periods, sex, fertility, contraception, and parenting.
Because when we stop treating reproductive health like it belongs to one gender, we start building a healthier, safer place.
● Deborah can also be reached at deborahomaojo2000@gmail.com
