Authored by: Mads Menoher, NGO CSW/NY Advocacy & Admin Intern
With women leaders taking the reign on issues like GBV, men and boys have taken the backseat in the conversations and discussions on prevention. Research indicates that because of the idea that men are the perpetrators of these violent acts against women, there has been a commonplace theme of rejecting the diversity of men and their important role in social change. Evidently, women have made large strides to spread awareness about the issue, but without men, the movement may find it unnecessarily difficult to succeed in the goals of international reform.
Men and boys play an important role in preventing GBV. The Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination displays how men can enact change by being role models, challenging sexism, speaking out or protecting women, and educating themselves on the cause. The committee highlights the deconstruction of patriarchal views to create more modern, equitable roles for men and women through a male oriented focus on tackling gender inequalities.
These ideas can be shown throughout many parts of the world. MenEngage is an organization that encourages boys and men to join the fight in achieving gender equality and promoting human rights across the world. They provide research support on the reasons why men would benefit from the gender equality movement, especially in terms of GBV. They highlight the importance of parenting and education for young boys, how violence is learned for role model figures, and how important it is for adults to set good examples for future generations.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has posted an outline for some approaches leaders can take to include men in the fight against GBV. This outline presents ways to tackle gender norms and traditions, including male-focused interventions, denouncing harmful stereotypes and social norms such as child marriages, toxic masculinity, and female genital mutilation (FGM). Through having targeted discussions, we pave a path to engaging men in the conversation, providing more protection to women most affected by GBV.
GBV not only impacts women, but can impact those around them. With men and boys working together with women, there has been correlations to improvements in the quality of life for both genders.
Check out this organization for men’s circles and more: Anti-Violence Project