The study had both a research component and an educational intervention programme. It investigated the perceptions, norms, attitudes and practises underlying sexuality and gender relations and how they affect the reproductive and sexual health of men and women in selected areas of study in South Eastern Nigeria. The findings demonstrate that the Igbo perception of sexuality and gender relations is an integral part of their ideas about marriage, objectives of marriage, notions about appropriate male and female sexual behaviours prior to marriage and within marriage. Women are expected to be physically mature and have some education before marriage. Men are equally expected to be mature but in addition should be educated or trained in a skill to enable them meet their financial and other obligations to their wives and children.
Heterosexual marriage is the norm.
Although monogamous marriages are predominant polygyny still persists. Being unmarried is seen to be problematic. An unmarried man is regarded as an irresponsible person. Although an unmarried woman is also seen as an irresponsible person she is also perceived to be unlucky or unfortunate in the marriage market. It is perceived that a man demonstrates his manhood by getting married, impregnating his wife, and raising children, exercising authority over his wife and children as well as meeting their needs.