Table 5 Gender-related experiences of men and women in vector control, highlighting both positive aspects and challenges faced by each gender
Gender-Related Experiences | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Incidence | 44.4% reported experiencing sexual harassment | 57.1% reported experiencing sexual harassment |
Positive Work Experiences | Appreciated women's insights on certain vector control strategies, especially those deployed within homes | Recognized for their unique insights and reported to have an eye for detail and are more vigilant than men |
Challenges with Gender Inclusivity | Believed it can be a barrier in strenuous activities Believed it might not be applicable in some activities due to health risks to women than men | Often faced cultural norms limiting fieldwork; especially “away-from-home” field work Often excluded from filed activities due to unfavourable working environment, security concerns and increased health risks or the belief they are weaker than men |
Reporting Sexual Harassment | Reluctant to report due to societal views on masculinity | More likely to face and report harassment |
Work-Life Balance Struggles | Less mentioned | Struggle to balance family and work commitments |
Societal and Cultural Barriers | Rarely mentioned | Often cited as barriers to career advancement |
Impact of Short-Term Contracts | Less mentioned | Pressure to avoid pregnancy and family responsibilities |
Line Manager Gender | 22% had opposite-gender managers | 67.8% had opposite-gender managers |
Work Environment Quality | Believed the gender of manager had a neutral effect | Felt positive impact from having female managers |
Team Member Preferences | Some prefer men to avoid cultural issues with husbands | Some prefer balanced teams or female leaders for support |
Perception on female leaders | Mixed views on female leadership | Value female leaders for relatability and support |