From the outset, establish and ensure that key principles are internalised and shared by all implementing partners and key stakeholders. Assess that the men’s groups involved share and are explicit about abiding by these values and commitment to women’s human rights and gender equality.
Partner with women’s groups as a means of promoting transparency and accountability. Women’s groups brought the issue of gender-based violence to the forefront of public health and human rights agendas and have considerable experience in the area of violence against women and girls (especially from a gender perspective, which is required for interventions to be ethical and in line with guarantees for women’s human rights).
Ensure that survivors’ needs are met, that their human rights safeguarded and that their safety is promoted. One of the fears about working with men and boys is that the needs of survivors will be overlooked or under-funded. By partnering with women’s groups, initiatives working with men and boys can take steps to address this concern by informing men and women about existing services, for instance, or by strengthening existing services through joint initiatives, such as training.
Make an effort to document, evaluate and disseminate knowledge of initiatives working with men and boys to ease fears and misconceptions and build better understanding.
Present a conceptual framework that:
- Recognizes the important role men can play as partners and allies with women in preventing violence against women and girls and promoting healthy families and communities.
- Affirms most men’s potential for caring and desire for connection with women, children and other men.
- Highlights the role of male socialization in leading to men’s emotional repression, isolation and domination.