The Role of Men and Boys in Ending Gender-Based Violence

Why do men and boys play a crucial role in ending gender-based violence?

Gender-based violence is not only a women’s issue. Men and boys also play a crucial role in ending it. By challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting equality, men and boys can be powerful allies in preventing GBV.

By engaging men and boys, we can challenge the harmful norms and behaviours that contribute to violence and discrimination.

1. Challenging Toxic Masculinity

Toxic masculinity refers to traditional expectations around male behaviour, such as dominance, emotional suppression, and aggression. These norms can perpetuate violence and discrimination against women and girls. Men and boys can play a key role in rejecting these stereotypes and promoting healthier, more respectful expressions of masculinity.
How They Can Help: Men can encourage emotional openness, share household responsibilities, and model respectful relationships.

2. Educating Peers and Communities

Men and boys have the ability to influence others within their social circles. By speaking out against violence and challenging sexist jokes, they can help shift attitudes and prevent harmful behaviours before they escalate.
How They Can Help: Men can actively participate in campaigns, discussions, and educational initiatives to spread awareness about GBV.

3. Supporting Survivors and Respecting Boundaries

Believing survivors is such an important part of progress in the sector as well as creating safe spaces for them to seek help.
How They Can Help: By advocating for survivors, and promoting consent culture, men can help stop violence before it starts.

4. Being Role Models for Younger Generations

Boys often learn from the men around them. By modelling positive behaviours and healthy relationships, men can teach the next generation about respect, equality, and non-violence.
How They Can Help: Fathers, brothers, uncles, and mentors showing kindness, respect, and equality in everyday interactions.

5. Taking Responsibility and Holding Others Accountable

Holding each other accountable for our actions, challenging abusive behaviours and supporting those who may be at risk of perpetrating violence.
How They Can Help: Men can step in when they witness harmful behaviour, encourage friends to speak out, and show solidarity with those affected by GBV.

Ending GBV requires the collective effort of everyone, and men and boys have an important role to play. By challenging harmful norms, educating others, and modelling positive behaviour, they can help create a safer, more equitable world for all.

Speak out against GBV, challenge harmful stereotypes, and support survivors.