Why Male Involvement in Eliminating Violence Against Women? 2-Day Workshop on Male Involvement in Eliminating Violence Against Women, Marian Hotel, Calabar, May 26-27, 2008

Why Involve Men/Boys? It is important that in addressing a multi- dimensional problem, such as violence against women, that several strategies are employed. While It is important that women and young girls who are often the victims of gender- based violence are sensitized, and given various forms of support services, it is also important that the root cause of the issue is addressed through a closer look at the roles and responsibilities of boys and men.

10 Top Reasons for Male Involvement Many women want men to step up and take a stand against violence. Most men do not agree with men’s violence, yet they do nothing to challenge or stop it – these men need to be mobilized to prevent violence. Some men are already working to prevent violence but lack support; many more would like to get involved, but don’t know how

10 Top Reasons Cont’d Men commit most of the violence against women. So it is up to them to stop it – take responsibility. Men are not born violent. They learn violence and become violent because of beliefs and norms about what it is to be a man. Work with men and boys can change those beliefs and norms and support men in rejecting violence.

10 Top Reasons Cont’d Men have the potential to stop violence. Not only can they choose to not perpetrate acts of violence, they can choose to challenge the attitudes and assumptions that support gender-based violence. Gender-based violence has continued despite years of anti-violence work, The missing piece is effective violence prevention work with men.

10 Top Reasons Cont’d Men experience violence too – many are survivors from childhood but very few get the support they need to heal them of their experiences. Men and boys listen to their peers – we need to mobilize men and boys to spread the violence prevention message in their families, workplaces and communities. Decision makers and opinion leaders are mostly men. We need to work with them to get the political, financial, and moral support necessary to prevent gender-based violence.