Engaging Men to Promote Gender Equity

EMAP is a series of facilitated group discussions for men that sought to transform gender relations in communities by creating a cadre of male allies who practice and promote gender equity and do not use violence. The program was designed to give male participants the tools and knowledge to rethink belief systems and prevent GBV through individual behavioral change. EMAP invites the same group of men to participate in 16 weekly discussions with their male peers. The sessions are led by male trained facilitators. Topics explored the underpinnings of masculinity; types, causes and consequences of violence against women and girls; and opportunities for positive role modeling and reflection on their own power and privilege. Women’s groups were established prior to launching male discussion groups to promote accountability to the needs, views, and priorities of women in the community. Discussion topics that arose in the women’s groups were communicated to the men’s groups throughout the intervention and their reflections were incorporated into the facilitators’ approach. Men in the control sites participated in alternative group training sessions on topics such as poultry rearing, woodworking, tree planting, or driving lessons.