Gender power relations in reproductive decision-making: The case of Gamo migrants in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

In many developing countries most of reproductive decisions are made by men although it is, as well, the concern of women. This study was undertaken with the objective of assessing gender power relations in reproductive decision-making (DM). Data collected from random sample of 317 married couples using structured questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression was used to find the determinants of reproductive DM. Accordingly, 33% of women reported joint contraceptive use DM; 36% of women and 38% of men reported joint maternal health service utilization (MHSU) DM. Women who are older, literate, have fewer children, media access, have job, and not victim of harassment/abuse participate in reproductive DM, while men who are literate, have fewer children, media access, older, and did not harass/abuse their wives let wives participate in MHSU DM. Thus, empowering the study community in general and women in particular is recommended to improve their participation in reproductive DM.