Context

• The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) serves as a sombre reminder of the persistent global issue of gender-based violence.
• Despite decades of advocacy, nearly one in three women worldwide has suffered violence at the hands of men.
• This alarming statistic highlights the need to engage men not just as perpetrators but also as key agents of change in combating violence against women. 

The Root Causes of Violence Against Women and Progress in Engaging Men

• Early Socialisation and Harmful Expectations
  • In many societies, boys are raised with messages that equate masculinity with authority and control.
  • Common phrases such as ‘boys don’t cry’ and ‘man up’ suppress emotional expression, forcing boys to internalise their feelings.
  • This emotional suppression often manifests as frustration, aggression, or a lack of emotional intelligence, which can harm their relationships and mental health.
  • Boys are also taught to associate strength with dominance, leading to a perception that they must assert control over others, often women, to affirm their masculinity.
  • These societal messages are reinforced by gendered expectations in families.
  • For example, boys may observe that household decision-making and outdoor activities are reserved for men, while caregiving and domestic chores are deemed women’s responsibilities.
• Toxic Masculinity
  • Toxic masculinity, a term used to describe harmful behaviours and attitudes associated with traditional male roles, further compounds the problem.
  • It emphasises aggression, competition, and dominance, which are often expressed in harmful ways.
  • Men conditioned by these norms may resort to violence to assert control or resolve conflicts, especially in situations where their authority feels challenged.
  • This is a critical factor in domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence.
  • Toxic masculinity also affects men themselves, trapping them in cycles of emotional isolation and destructive behaviour.
  • The inability to express vulnerability can lead to poor mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
• The Role of Media and Cultural Narratives
  • Films, advertisements, and popular culture frequently portray men as aggressive protectors or stoic providers, while women are depicted as passive caregivers or victims.
  • Such representations reinforce binary gender roles and discourage deviation from these norms.
  • Boys who consume these narratives often aspire to embody these stereotypical ideals, further entrenching toxic masculinity.
  • In some cultures, religious or traditional beliefs may also reinforce harmful gender norms.
• Progress in Engaging Men
  • In recent years, the development sector has increasingly focused on the role of men and masculinities in achieving gender equality.
  • Academic research and grassroots efforts have highlighted effective strategies for engaging men in challenging traditional gender norms.
  • These initiatives reveal a growing willingness among men to contribute to gender equality, not as passive allies but as active participants in social transformation.

Case Study: India’s Approach to Gender Equality

• UNESCO’s Transforming MENtalities Initiative
  • UNESCO’s Transforming MENtalities initiative stands out as a comprehensive effort to address the root causes of gender inequality by engaging men and boys.
  • Rather than treating them solely as allies in the fight for gender equality, this initiative positions them as active participants in social transformation.
  • By dismantling rigid and harmful ideas of masculinity, it encourages men to adopt positive, supportive roles within their families and communities.
  • As part of this initiative, UNESCO partnered with the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) to produce the report Engaging Men and Boys: A Report on Pathways to Gender Equality in India.
  • This report documents pioneering programs that have successfully engaged men and boys in addressing gender biases, fostering equitable attitudes, and creating sustainable change.
• Pioneering Programs and their Impact
  • Mardon Wali Baat (A Man’s Thing)
    • Run by The YP Foundation, this initiative uses storytelling and social media to engage young men on college campuses and in communities.
    • It encourages participants to critically examine societal narratives around masculinity, such as equating strength with dominance, and to embrace values of respect, equality, and emotional openness.
    • By creating conversations on positive masculinities, this program equips young men to challenge stereotypes in their personal lives and communities.
  • Gender Equity Movement in Schools (GEMS)
    • A collaboration between ICRW and the Rajasthan Department of Education, GEMS works with adolescents to address toxic masculinity through interactive classroom activities.
    • By focusing on critical discussions, the program helps boys understand the harm caused by traditional gender roles and encourages them to adopt equitable attitudes.
    • One transformative moment occurred when a boy reflected, “I used to think boys should only do outdoor chores. Now, I believe we should work alongside women at home.”
    • These insights have a ripple effect, influencing not only the boys themselves but also their families and peers.
  • Dekh Rekh (Caring for Each Other) and Hamari Shaadi (Our Marriage)
    • These programs focus on engaging men in household and familial responsibilities, such as family planning and nutrition.
    • By encouraging men to take active roles in domestic spheres traditionally dominated by women, these initiatives challenge deeply rooted gender biases and promote equality through everyday actions.

The Way Forward

• Reshaping Norms to Address Root Causes
  • Early education is essential to dismantling stereotypes, teaching boys that vulnerability, empathy, and equality are strengths, not weaknesses.
  • Families, schools, and communities must model and promote alternative, healthier definitions of masculinity.
  • Public campaigns, media representations, and positive role models can further reinforce these messages by showing that masculinity can coexist with emotional openness, partnership, and respect for women.
• Community-Driven Approaches
  • The success of these programs lies in their community-driven approach.
  • By integrating local contexts and cultural nuances, these initiatives resonate with participants and develop r grassroots ownership of gender equality efforts.
  • For example, interactive sessions, storytelling, and role-playing activities are used to make complex ideas accessible and relatable.
  • Moreover, engaging men and boys within their own social environments ensures that change is not imposed from the outside but emerges organically, making it more sustainable.

Conclusion

• As we move forward, let us celebrate the men and boys who are challenging traditional masculinities and championing equality.
• By redefining what it means to ‘be a man,’ we can create a world where everyone, regardless of gender, is free from violence and empowered to thrive.
• Together, through education, advocacy, and collective action, the violence against women can be eliminated and we can build a more just and equitable society.