Methodology
In this project highly experienced national researchers will pull together all available data to obtain behavioural 'maps' for each country, and more accurate descriptions of the exact nature of the practices in different cultural and social settings. They will also analyse these behaviours with respect to three basic orientations.
First, they will consider the importance of the practices as components of socially and culturally defined gender roles. To what degree do the behaviours reveal unhealthy or inequitable sexual relationships between women and men? Are there grounds for social actions to modify the practices through information or regulation?
Second, they will consider the clinical importance of the behaviours, and determine the degree to which there are risks of physical harm to the people carrying out the behaviour or their sexual partners. Does their behaviour cause direct harm in the form of infections, irritation or dysfunction? Is there increased risk of spread of infectious diseases such as HIV?
Third, they will consider the impact of these behaviours on sexual pleasure of partners in sexual relations. Where the behaviour is motivated by a desire to increase personal pleasure, or to give pleasure to others, is it successful? In particular, and with reference to gender issues, when men say they use particular devices to give pleasure to women can it be document that women indeed find the practices pleasurable?
The major aim of this project is the accumulation and interpretation of information, but the defining dimension of success will be the establishment of a new framework of thinking and debate on issues of gender and reproductive health in Southeast Asia. Concrete measures of success such as academic papers and books will be important, but there should also be evidence of impact in the enhancement of national policies on male and female reproductive health. Some of the findings of the studies should be used to enhance debates on the nature of male and female responsibilities for reproductive health promotion, and adherence to ICPD Programme of Action goals relating to women's special needs, and the promotion of responsible male behaviours.
