Too often, boys and young men are taught to equate masculinity with the use of violence and dominance over women and girls. Too often, such behaviour is met with silence and is tolerated by other men. This only serves to normalize gender inequality and negative stereotypes. Men have a crucial role to play as fathers, brothers, friends, decision makers, and community and opinion leaders, in speaking out against violence against women and girls and ensuring that priority attention is given to the issue. Importantly, men can provide positive role models for young men and boys, based on healthy images of masculinity. For many years, women around the world have led efforts to prevent and end violence, but today more and more men are adding their support to the movement. As part of the growing efforts to include men as part of the solution to prevent and end violence against women, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched his Network of Men Leaders in 2009. The Leaders in this expanding Network – current and former politicians, civil society and youth activists, religious and community leaders, cultural figures and other prominent individuals – work in their spheres of influence to undertake specific actions to end violence against women, from raising public awareness, to advocating for adequate laws, to meeting with young men and boys, to holding governments accountable. The network supports the work of women around the world to defy destructive stereotypes, embrace equality, and inspire men and boys everywhere to speak out against violence. Read more at endviolence.un.org/pdf/UNiTE_Brochure_EN_small
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 16:02:05 +0000
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