Transforming Patriarchy: Engaging Men and Boys in Promoting Gender Equity in and through Education

This brief offers practical guidance for engaging men and boys in gender equity in and through education in emergencies (EiE). By providing men and boys with opportunities to examine their beliefs around gender and holding and holding them accountable to gender equitable beliefs and behaviours, men and boys can become powerful agents of change. They can contribute to safer, more equitable schools and learning spaces, advocate against gender-based violence, model equitable relationships, and promote shared responsibility in advancing gender equality.

The brief proposes two complementary pathways for engaging men and boys in and through education in emergencies:

• Pathway 1: Addressing men’s and boys’ specific gendered needs and vulnerabilities. This pathway focuses on identifying the specific gendered needs, needs, vulnerabilities and pressures young men and boys (in all their diversity) face in education and providing corresponding, targeted support for their health, wellbeing, protection, education access and learning.
• Pathway 2: Engaging men and boys for gender equality. This pathway focuses on providing men and boys with the time and support needed to understand and reflect on their role in patriarchal systems, recognize how patriarchy benefits them, and examine the attitudes and behaviors that reinforce dominance over women and girls. This may include interventions aimed at challenging harmful attitudes or behaviors towards women and femininity, coaching and mentoring other men and boys, collaborating with women’s organizations, and lobbying, advocating, and influencing policies at all levels for, with, and on behalf of women.

This brief was developed by the INEE Gender Working Group. Support for the brief was provided by Global Affairs Canada.