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.