Tearfund

ABSTRACT Reference groups can influence an individual’s perceptions of social and gender norms which can affect health beliefs, behaviours, and outcomes. This qualitative study in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo explored young women’s and men’s reference groups for relationship dynamics and family planning. Some reference groups and mechanisms of influence were common to relationship dynamics and family planning. Some exercised influence through certain mechanisms but not others. Understanding these dynamics can contribute to effective interventions which curtail intimate partner violence and increase access to voluntary uptake of family planning, both paramount to advancing the rights and health of women and girls.

This article provides an introduction to the topic of reflection in this special issue – jubilee – and to the value of thinking theologically about the ways in which jubilee illuminates and provides Christian responses to the poverty and inequalities being faced by churches around the world. It also provides an introduction to the articles included in this special issue, which is edited by Tearfund in honour of its 50th anniversary.