Our new Positive Masculinity radio show gets underway

Since last summer, we have been working on one of our biggest projects to date, which is aimed at preventing violence against women and girls.

The project saw us launch our new radio show on Positive Masculinity this week, which is aimed at changing traditional perceptions and attitudes around gender-based violence, focusing on ways that men and boys can support and champion women’s progress and empowerment.

Running for the next six months, the show on Radio Duhok will focus on a different theme around masculinity each week – and the image below shows our Regional Manager Vian launching the first programme in the studio.

Over the coming months, the radio show will feature special guests and local leaders, exploring how perceptions of masculinity impact on the community as a whole – and especially on men and boys. The programmes will complement Positive Masculinity workshops which we’re also holding with men and boys in the community.

These activities are part of our big project with the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, which is the only global grant-making mechanism dedicated to addressing all forms of violence against women and girls at local and national levels.

During our collaboration, we’re working with IDPs and refugees in Zakho and Duhok communities, raising awareness of gender-based violence and supporting victims with mental health and case management services. Other activities include GBV workshops, community awareness sessions and assessments of Covid-19 impact. Additionally, the project is providing support to women-led businesses that have been badly hit by the pandemic.

We’re so pleased to be on this hugely important journey together…