Political institutions around the world remain shaped by gender norms that influence expectations of leadership, authority, and power. These norms often reinforce patterns in which political leadership and decision making are associated with men and masculinity, shaping how political parties, parliaments, and other institutions operate and who is able to participate fully and lead in politics and public life.
Working with Boys and Men
In countries across the world, there are growing numbers of men taking action to help end violence against women.
And there are growing efforts to engage men and boys in prevention efforts: as participants in education programs, as targets of social marketing campaigns, as activists and advocates, and as leaders and policy makers.
The VicHealth Framing Masculinity Message Guide offers evidence-based strategies to challenge harmful traditional masculine stereotypes in Australia. It promotes productive conversations, aiming to encourage healthier, more diverse, and flexible norms for men and boys
Workplaces across Australia and globally need male leaders to take a gender-inclusive approach. Yes, this makes workplaces better for women. But it also improves workplaces for everybody, including men.
Abstract:
In efforts aimed at greater gender equality, there is a growing emphasis on promoting positive or healthier masculinities. Aiming for healthier masculinities that embrace equality, respect, non-violence and care means encouraging boys and men to be more conscious of how enactments of masculinity and traditional norms of masculinity can be harmful to women and girls, to gender diverse people, and to boys and men themselves.
In efforts aimed at greater gender equality, there is a growing emphasis on promoting positive or healthier masculinities. Aiming for healthier masculinities that embrace equality, respect, non-violence and care means encouraging boys and men to be more conscious of how enactments of masculinity and traditional norms of masculinity can be harmful to women and girls, to gender diverse people, and to boys and men themselves.
How can we engage male students and staff on campus in violence prevention?
I want you to think for a moment about the young men you see every day on your campus. The young men in your classrooms, in the cafetaria, in the college residences, and so on.
From social media influencers to academic theorists, preachers and politicians, everyone weighs in on the question of what makes a good man, especially what young men need to do embrace their masculinity.
Here’s a simple, sensible answer: If you want to be a good man, do your best to be a good person.
"10 Ways to Engage Men and Boys to Counter Backlash" is a fact sheet and guidance note for activists, academics and practitioners in gender equality, human rights, democracy and climate justice.