The influence of gender norms on women's sexual and reproductive health outcomes: a systematic review.

Abstract

Background: Despite progress toward gender equity, enduring societal norms continue to shape women's roles, particularly impacting their sexual and reproductive health, including fertility, maternal health, and family planning, all of which are influenced by traditional gender expectations.

Aim: This review investigates how gender norms affect women's sexual and reproductive health outcomes.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted on publications from 2013 to 2023, sourced from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using keywords, MeSH terms, and Boolean operators. Of 1,500 articles identified, 38 peer-reviewed articles in English or French met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a standardized form and evaluated with the mixed-methods appraisal tool. Findings from the selected studies were analyzed through a narrative synthesis approach.

Findings: The review identified key themes from the 38 included studies results underscoring the lack of comprehensive sexual education and the challenges posed by cultural norms and social stigma. It highlighted how cultural and gender dynamics restrict women's autonomy in family planning and maternal healthcare, with impacts varying by context. Finding also highlight the importance of culturally competent healthcare that respects diverse cultural beliefs and tackles educational and economic barriers to enhance women's sexual and reproductive health outcomes.

Conclusion: This review identifies gender norms as one of major obstacles to accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and services among women. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive SRH education, women's autonomy, and culturally competent healthcare services to address barriers and promote gender equity globally.