Although we primarily support women and girls, we fundamentally believe that men and boys must be involved in advancing gender equality and bringing change for everyone. In recent months, we have been running positive masculinity workshops for men and boys, which are aimed at raising awareness and shifting traditional perceptions around women’s roles in society, and helping end harmful behaviours against them.
The sessions are designed to celebrate the positive aspects of being male, and show that masculinity can be empowering rather than restrictive or abusive. The participants work together to learn how they can support women and girls, and cooperate much more fully to improve their lives and those of their families.
Workshops are especially focused on eliminating gender-based violence, while other topics explored include ideas around ‘masculinity’ and what it means to be a modern-day man. The sessions have received a hugely positive response from the men and boys taking part so far, with many productive discussions.
CASE STUDY
Fuad is a 24-year-old Yazidi IDP, who found he was able to re-evaluate and further his own domestic responsibilities after our Positive Masculinity workshops. “Now I help my family with things like cooking and cleaning,” he says. “And I feel better when I talk to them about problems.”