摘要：Research frequently points to the need to empower women to effectively combat the twin epidemics of HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence. Simultaneously, there has been increased attention given to working with men in gender equality efforts. The latter approach intervenes on masculinities as part of the fight against HIV/AIDS and violence. No research has considered these 2 lines of work side by side to address several important questions: What are the points of overlap, and the tensions and contradictions between these 2 approaches? What are the limitations and unintended consequences of each? We analyzed these 2 parallel research trends and made suggestions for how to capitalize on the synergies that come from bolstering each position with the strengths of the other. Research has never been more clear that sexual and reproductive health outcomes are shaped by broader gender inequalities within economic, social, interpersonal, and educational spheres. 1 – 11 It is now widely acknowledged that the twin epidemics of HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence (GBV) are driven in large part by inequitable relationships between men and women. 12 – 15 In light of these findings, a new generation of health programming is linking women's empowerment and health to reduce HIV and violence risks. 16 – 23 Simultaneously, there is increased recognition that masculinities (a socially constructed set of ideals and practices that define what it means to be male) can harm both women's and men's health. 24 – 34 Recent health interventions have, therefore, attempted to shape the norms and practices of masculinities that contribute to HIV/AIDS and GBV. 18 , 31 – 33 In essence, 2 interconnected but distinct approaches within the HIV/AIDS and antiviolence fields have emerged—one that focuses on women's empowerment and another that seeks to work with men for gender equality. Both approaches view gender inequalities as drivers of HIV/AIDS and violence, and tend to take a “gender-transformative” approach 16 , 34 to shifting gender roles and promoting more equitable relationships between men and women. Yet, there are also differences in the 2 approaches, highlighting important questions for the field as it moves forward. Namely, what are the strengths and limitations of such programs, and to what extent does one approach, enhance, or inhibit the goals of the other? How can synergies between these 2 approaches be leveraged in a way that enhances gains in HIV/AIDS and violence outcomes? We begin by examining the 2 approaches in depth. We then draw upon a number of programs in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia that fit 2 criteria: (1) they are gender-transformative in approach, and (2) they target the social construction of gender relations as an entry point for multiple health issues, such as reproductive health, HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and GBV. Next, we identify limitations and potential synergies across approaches that are focused on women's empowerment and work with men for gender equality in an effort to improve the efficacy of each.
