Working with Boys and Men

How can the Australian Government strengthen efforts to engage men and boys in the primary prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence? This submission to the Consultation on the Second Action Plan (National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032) provides guidance on effective ways forward. See the short summary below, and the full submission here. 

There is a multi-billion-dollar industry built on the loneliness, economic anxiety, and identity of men. It does not call itself an industry. It calls itself a movement, a brotherhood, a path to success. It presents itself as the antidote to a society that has failed men — and in doing so, it sells them the very things that keep them isolated, financially drained, and psychologically dependent on the young men profiting from their struggle. This report documents the industry: its mechanics, its actors, its revenue, and the young men it targets.

Nearly one in two women has experienced domestic violence (DV) in her lifetime, yet accountability remains elusive: Nearly half of survivors never report their abuse to law enforcement, often out of fear of retaliation. Many minimize the harm or shield their abuser’s behavior, telling themselves, “That’s just how men are,” or “He didn’t mean it.”

From Reflection to Action is a practical, evidence-based toolkit that helps organisations, practitioners, researchers and policymakers design gender-transformative programmes that engage men and boys – first as participants, and then as accountable allies in advancing gender equality.

It is easy to look at the ‘manosphere’ as a faraway land, one where a few unfortunate men have ended up in a bid for fame and fortune on Instagram and TikTok. ‘Not all men’ – and definitely not the men we know, hang out with, are related to, work with or hire. 

The manosphere - a diverse ecosystem of anti-feminist and male supremacist online communities, influencers, and platforms - has emerged over the past decade as a significant site of gendered harm. From men’s rights activist (MRA) networks and incel forums to “red pill” influencers and anti-feminist social media channels, these online environments shape how some men and boys understand masculinity, relationships, and gender relations.

We are a group of organisations that are committed to bridging work to address both violence against women and girls (VAWG) and men and boys’ wellbeing.

Amidst the backlash against gender equality and progressive social change, we often talk about the need to not just call men out, but also to call them in. But how do we do that? 

This new report explores how a care-centered approach can strengthen efforts to prevent men’s violence against women and girls. Produced by Equimundo for the MenCare Changemaker Summit 2026, the report examines how empathy, caregiving, relational accountability, and gender equality can help foster healthier masculinities and safer communities.

Drawing on global research and decades of violence prevention work, the report highlights practical strategies for engaging men and boys as caregivers, allies, and active partners in building a more just and non-violent world.

This resource provides a rapid landscape analysis of the organisations, institutions, and initiatives working across Australia to engage men and boys in gender equality. Conducted as a collaboration between Dalberg Advisors and Equimundo, this mapping highlights the depth and diversity of work already underway, spanning violence prevention, education, men’s health, caregiving, and digital culture.