Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality

This review of successful initiatives looks to strengthen the understanding of programmes that involve boys and men. Based on information from the ground, this report is a roadmap for governments at various levels, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and civil society entities to engage boys and men in gender, sexuality, and reproductive health programmes and issues.

Critical points documented in this report include:
Men’s participation within programme contexts, objectives, operating strategies, delivery of interventions and results;
Institutionalization of gender within programmes that engage boys and men;
Management aspects that promote organisational and programme sustainability.

This report sets out to strengthen the understanding of programmes that effectively involve boys and men in gender equality, equity and reproductive health by documenting those with demonstrated success. From this, government units at various levels, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and civil society initiatives can glean information from the ground on effective ways to engage boys and men in gender, sexuality, and reproductive health programmes and issues.

Structured questionnaires were sent to organizations that implement male participation programmes. As a result of their responses, 16 organizations are profiled in this report, providing information on their respective programme descriptions, objectives and activities. Additionally, literature and electronic searches identified 31 programmes, interventions or studies from Asia and Africa that engage boys and men in various activities that may eventually contribute to the achievement of gender equality and equity.

Four programmes – one each from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Philippines, and Uganda – were chosen for in-depth case studies.

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