Shaping the future with empowered men and boys
Men and boys play an essential role in ending violence against women and girls. Evidence and experience have shown that engaging men and boys in efforts to prevent violence against women and girls is crucial. Changing social norms and unequal gender relations is critical in ending gender-based violence and men and boys play a pivotal role in supporting these changes.
Ways to empower men and boys in preventing violence against women and girls
One approach is through group-based workshops. This method aims to increase men's awareness of the causes and consequences of violence against women by providing safe spaces where men and boys can reflect on the issue and learn skills to prevent violence.
Another approach involves drawing men and boys into activities and community initiatives that promote gender equality by engaging with men and boys in a positive way as allies. This can be through sports, religious congregations, or digital platforms.
Finally, engaging men in policy and legal development due to their significant power and influence is very important. Men should be involved in the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies and laws that promote gender equality and prevent violence against women and girls, such as its criminalization and workplace sexual harassment policies.