A broad review of more than 150 studies from 1996 to 2023 highlights a persistent gap in understanding men’s role in family planning across 23 African countries. Researchers urge health systems worldwide, including Thailand, to rethink how men contribute to reproductive choices and outcomes. Meaningful male involvement is seen as essential for gender equity and the long-term success of family planning programs.
Traditionally, family planning has been framed as a female duty. Public campaigns often show women visiting clinics to decide on contraception and family size. The review argues this narrow view misses men’s influence—shaped by household decision-making, cultural attitudes, and shared responsibility for reproductive health.
Across the studies, only about one in five collected data from men. Most research measured men’s approval of their partner’s contraception rather than exploring broader participation: emotional support, joint decision-making, and open communication. As one co-author notes, assessing male involvement without men’s perspectives is like painting a landscape with only half the colors.
This limited view has shaped policies and services. In Africa, family planning programs centered on women produced notable improvements, including reductions in under-five mortality and maternal deaths between 2010 and 2020. Yet the female-centric approach reinforces the notion that family planning is a woman’s issue, even though many households involve men as pivotal decision-makers in family size, timing, and contraceptive use.
In Thailand, similar patterns persist. Health education and contraception messaging still emphasize women, and men are rarely depicted as proactive partners in reproductive health. Thailand’s National Statistical Office shows high knowledge of contraception but low engagement in conversations and clinic visits among men. This persists despite Thailand’s long family planning history and strong health infrastructure. Limited male inclusion in campaigns and research could slow progress, particularly in communities with traditional gender norms.
The review advocates a more participatory approach that places both genders at the heart of family planning. True involvement means shared decision-making, mutual respect, and supportive partnerships as the foundation of sustainable reproductive health. The findings also highlight geographic and institutional imbalances: most studies come from four African countries, with several influential authors tied to institutions outside Africa. This raises questions about local relevance, equity, and the sustainability of the knowledge base guiding policy.
These insights matter beyond Africa, including for Thailand. Donors and international partners should prioritize inclusive research funding, regional representation, and local leadership. If family planning agendas are to reflect those served, the era of outside researchers dominating Global South studies is ending.
What can Thailand do now? Practical steps include piloting couple-based consultations in areas with higher fertility or where traditional norms are strong. Campaigns featuring respected male figures or celebrities could model positive male involvement. Clinics might offer male-focused sessions or integrate men’s health topics into existing men’s groups or community activities, reducing stigma and building trust. Experts from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health emphasize that direct engagement with men is essential to stronger, more equitable health systems.
Culturally, Thai society is gradually moving toward partnership-based family structures, especially in urban settings. Buddhist principles of mutual respect and shared responsibility can support narratives promoting gender equality in reproductive health decisions. Addressing norms linking male virility to large families remains important, and media can play a constructive role by showcasing balanced, respectful partnerships.
Policy guidance from the study urges treating men as active participants in family planning, not merely supporters or obstacles. Include men’s experiences and attitudes in research and train health professionals to engage men respectfully. Donors should fund diverse regional perspectives and prioritize local leadership. Thailand can advance by building on its strong health system with couple-centered services, male-inclusive campaigns, and robust monitoring of men’s knowledge and practices.
Ultimately, achieving reproductive health equity requires inviting both women’s and men’s voices. Improving male involvement is not about picking sides but about designing health systems and research that reflect reproductive health as a shared responsibility. For Thailand, the path forward is clear: engage men as full partners to sustain and deepen progress in family planning.
For families, educators, and policymakers, now is the moment to broaden conversations about reproductive health as a family concern. Encourage men to visit clinics, ask questions, and participate in joint decisions. Community leaders can champion male engagement, break down taboos, and foster new social norms. By embracing these changes, Thailand can strengthen its leadership in gender-equitable, inclusive reproductive health in the region.
Researchers also emphasize developing practical, culturally sensitive models. Data from Thailand’s public health institutions suggests that integrating men into family planning discussions can enhance program reach and effectiveness. For broader context, consider the global discussion on male involvement in family planning and related studies from reputable health organizations and academic centers, with a focus on local adaptation and leadership.