Men As Partners (MAPS)

Men As Partners (MAPs) is a project piloted in Fiji to improve the reproductive health status of the people of Fiji by enhancing the role of men in RH/SH/FP, through raising awareness among men on their reproductive health, gender issues and enhancing communication skills among couples. In this context, MAPs is an integral component of the UNFPA Programme of Assistance to the country specific on-going project FIJ98/P03.

MAPs was approved in July 2001 through a grant from NZODA in the amount US$223,281. The project is executed by New Zealand Family Planning Association (NZFPA) and implemented by the Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji (RFHAF).

The project targets both walk-in clients and other men’s social groups in Vatukoula gold mine area, including surrounding village communities in Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki; and men’s groups in the greater Suva area, especially in the military and rugby clubs.

The project’s objective includes the following: (1) increase awareness on gender issues among men and enhance non-restrictive gender roles; (2) increase awareness and knowledge among men on RH/SH-FP issues; (3) increase awareness and knowledge among men on RH/SH-FP issues; and (4) establish and strengthen RH/SH-FP services for men.

Since it’s inception in July 2001, MAPs has made considerable milestones. In the area of raising awareness and enhancing appreciation among men, thirty workshops on RH/FP/SH issues and non-restrictive gender roles were conducted for mine workers, soldiers and nearby communities in Vatukoula and Suva areas. Additional workshops were conducted for soldiers in Labasa and Lautoka. MAPs also established a referral network to allow clients to have access to specialized services where necessary.

In the area of IEC materials and promotional activities, an IEC Resource Manual for project staff and service providers was developed and is being finalized for printing. Brochures, posters and pamphlets on RH/SH/SH and HIV/AIDs issues, violence against women and non-restrictive gender roles were produced and distributed to the STI Clinics of the Ministry of Health, the Drop-In-Centres in Vatukoula and Suva, the Military Hospital in Suva, RFHAF centres in Lautoka, Labasa and Suva.  Promotional activities included television and radio talk back shows, a hot line dedicated to discussions on RH/SH/FP issues, male involvement in RH and non-restrictive gender roles.  In addition, cinema slides on male involvement were screened in popular cinemas in Lautoka and Suva over a period of 29 weeks. 

MAPs is a forerunner to the proposed “Men as Partners in Reproductive Health” regional programme for the Pacific.  It is envisaged that the successes and lessons learnt from this project will provide valuable input into the design of the regional programme in the third cycle: 2003-2007.