Although men tend to have
more agency than women, their lives are still shaped by rigid social
expectations attributed to masculinity. Whereas men’s traditional identities
are deeply entrenched in the system of patriarchy, often associated with
violence against and control over women, transformative masculinities “should
be positive for everyone, because they emphasize the values of equality,
respect and dignity for people of all gender identities”.[1]
Men and women around the world, both individually and organized into groups,
have started to challenge well-established notions of patriarchal
masculinities, promoting a deep positive transformation of social attitudes and
norms. However, “in moving forward with efforts that engage men and boys, it is
important to remember that change is not easy to achieve, particularly because
challenging men’s notions of masculinity may in some ways be akin to
challenging their notions of self.”[2]
In the last years, “there
has been a strategic shift in emphasis […] from women’s issues to those
concerning gender equality, in which the focus has moved from women exclusively
to both men and women and mutually beneficial social and economic development.”[3]
This evolving approach is due, partly, to the realization that, in order to be
effective, efforts to promote gender equality should also include men in the
conversation, engaging male allies in the construction of inclusive democratic
systems. Male parliamentarians and political leaders have the potential to
become strategic allies and powerful advocates for gender equality,
contributing to open the political space for women. In contexts of weak
representation of women in the decision-making process, men sitting at the
table can tip the scales in favor of women’s rights and promote a gender
equality agenda with the adoption of relevant legislation. Furthermore,
educating the public, and especially young men and women, on the importance of
equality and women’s political and social inclusion can promote positive social
change in the long run, transforming social attitudes and mentalities.
Example: IFES has developed the training module Male Allies for
Leadership Equality (MALE), with the purpose of sensitizing women and men on
the importance of working together to achieve gender equality and supporting
broad coalitions to advocate for more inclusive electoral processes. The MALE
module was created through focus group discussions in Syria and Nigeria.[4]
Since then, IFES has organized MALE workshops in different countries, including
Haiti, Ukraine and Libya.[5]
Example: International Gender Champions is “a leadership network that
brings together female and male decision-makers determined to break down gender
barriers and make gender equality a working reality in their spheres of
influence.” The network is formed by over 200 Gender Champions and Alumni, who
are heads of international organizations, permanent missions and civil society
organizations. All Gender Champions sign a pledge to no longer sit in
single-sex panels and commit to treat every person with respect and fairness,
value diversity, create and maintain safe workplaces and work together with
other Champions in a spirit of openness, honesty and transparency.[6]
Example: UN Women’s HeForShe campaign “invites men and people of all
genders to stand in solidarity with women to create a bold, visible and united
force for gender equality.” [7]
In 2016, the Southern African Development Community - Parliamentary Forum
(SADC-PF) Vice President, together with several National Parliament Speakers
from the region, signed up as HeForShe Champions for Gender Equality.[8]
Example: In Paraguay, International IDEA organized in 2018 a series
of workshops on new masculinities in democracy, addressed to civil society
representatives. Participants engaged in a reflection process on the
construction of men’s identities and violence against women, and discussed
strategies to promote inclusive political systems and enhance women’s
participation in the electoral process.[9]
Example: In Mexico, the INE organized a seminar on “New
Masculinities: Why Gender is Relevant for Men?” in 2019, during the
post-electoral period. This initiative mainly targeted motivated citizens and
civil society members. The first conference of this seminar was held in Mexico
City on 13 February. A live video was broadcasted on social media to maximize
the reach of the initiative.
[2] Men Engage, UN Women and
UNFPA (2014): “Men, Masculinities and Changing Power: A Discussion Paper on
Engaging Men in Gender Equality From Beijing 1995 to 2015.”
See:
https://www.unfpa.org/es/node/9655
