For too long, the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) has been largely seen as a “women’s issue.” While supporting survivors (primarily women and girls) remains crucial, addressing the root causes of GBV necessitates actively engaging men and boys in prevention efforts. At GVRC, we recognize that true and lasting change requires challenging harmful gender norms and promoting positive masculinities.
The Problem: Harmful Masculinities and GBV
Traditional notions of masculinity, often emphasizing dominance, aggression, emotional suppression, and control, can contribute to a culture where violence is normalized or condoned. These harmful norms can manifest in various forms of abuse, from physical and sexual violence to emotional and economic control. To effectively prevent GBV, we must address these underlying attitudes and behaviors.
Positive masculinities emphasize traits like empathy, respect, emotional intelligence, healthy communication, and non-violent conflict resolution. Engaging men and boys in prevention means fostering these positive attributes and challenging harmful stereotypes. This approach is not about demonizing men but about creating space for them to redefine what it means to be a man in a way that promotes equality and respect.
GVRC employs a range of strategies to engage men and boys in the prevention of GBV:
- Education and Awareness: Workshops, training sessions, and public awareness campaigns that challenge harmful gender norms, promote gender equality, and encourage critical self-reflection. These initiatives provide safe spaces for men and boys to discuss issues like healthy relationships, consent, and the impact of violence.
- Mentorship and Role Modeling: Connecting young men with positive male role models who embody respectful behavior, healthy relationships, and a commitment to gender equality. These mentors can provide guidance, support, and challenge harmful attitudes.
- Peer-to-Peer Programs: Encouraging men and boys to engage in open dialogues with their peers about healthy masculinity, respectful communication, and their role in preventing violence.
- Community Engagement: Partnering with community leaders, religious figures, sports clubs, and other influential groups to promote messages of gender equality and non-violence. Engaging men in these influential positions can create a wider impact.
- Challenging Harmful Media Representations: Encouraging critical analysis of media portrayals of masculinity and promoting media that depicts healthy and respectful relationships.
Engaging men and boys in GBV prevention benefits everyone:
- Reduces Violence: By challenging harmful norms and promoting respectful behavior, we can create safer communities for women and girls.
- Improves Men’s Well-being: Positive masculinity promotes healthier relationships, emotional well-being, and a more fulfilling sense of self for men.
- Fosters Gender Equality: Engaging men and boys is essential for creating a society where everyone can thrive, regardless of their gender.
- Creates a Culture of Respect: When men and boys are actively involved in preventing GBV, it sends a powerful message that violence is unacceptable and that respect is the foundation of healthy relationships.
GVRC is deeply committed to engaging men and boys as allies in the prevention of GBV. We believe that by working together, we can create a future where everyone lives free from the threat of violence. Our programs are designed to empower men and boys to be agents of positive change in their families, communities, and society.
Let us all commit to creating a world where healthy masculinity is the norm and where men and boys are active partners in building a society free from gender-based violence.
