• Gender and health

Gender and health

In various settings, small numbers of men and boys are changing their attitudes and behaviour towards women (supporting opportunities for women to earn an income outside the home, or speaking out against gender-based violence, for example). What makes this kind of resistance to rigid views of gender possible? How can development policies and programmes stimulate or build on these positive attitudes and behaviours to achieve gender equality for all?

This report describes a broad range of innovative work being carried out in different parts of the world to engage men in the promotion of gender equality. The report consists of an overview, annotated bibliography, and contacts section

It looks at the reasons for involving men and boys in gender and development work, and considers why it might be in men's own interests to change. It goes on to consider possible strategies for, and examples of, positive changes in men's attitudes and behaviour, focusing on:

• involving men as partners against gender-based violence
• strengthening men's resistance to violence and conflict
• fostering constructive male involvement in sexual and reproductive health and rights
• encouraging men's positive engagement as fathers and carers
• promoting more gender-equitable institutional cultures and practices within development organisations

The lessons learned’ section includes:

• to avoid alienating men and boys, positive messages should be used rather than language that leaves them feeling blamed
• gender training should be carried out to help men realise that it is okay not to conform to dominant forms of masculinity
• interventions that appear to be ‘top down’ or ‘foreign’ have a high likelihood of failure. Instead, programmes should work from the ground up, identifying local traditions, norms and masculine characteristics that are conducive to ending violence
• working with youth is crucial
• it is important to identify effective messengers
• reach men where they are, rather than creating new venues, and provide spaces where men can meet in private
• draw on men’s sense of responsibility and positive engagement as fathers
• development organisations should lead by example by building more equitable institutional cultures and practices and providing organisational support for family-friendly working practices

Included in the annotated bibliography are web resources, practical tools, manuals, and training materials, and contact details for gender practitioners and publishers.

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