Understanding masculinities: a formative research on masculinities and gender based violence in a peri-urban area in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

This research report attempts to provide some insight into young boys and men's lives and their experiences of masculinities and gender norms within the context of Pakistan. It is Rozan's belief that initiatives aimed at gender transformation must address and understand how these roles and norms are experienced by men and how they impact their lives and relationships. A particular concern explored is how these manifestations are experienced, perpetuated and challenged by women. A qualitative piece based on a small homogenous lower middle class community in a city of Punjab, it is an attempt by Rozan to deepen its understanding of male attitudes and perceptions on gender based violence and their link to masculine identity. This it feels is vital if we are to 'talk' to men and involve them as partners in the work on gender based violence. The research also aims at developing and testing the Gender Equitable Men (GEM) Scale, initially developed and tested in Brazil and later India.