Getting men in the room: perceptions of effective strategies to initiate men’s involvement in gender-based violence prevention in a global sample

Abstract As engaging men in gender-based violence prevention efforts becomes an increasingly institutionalised component of gender equity work globally, clarity is needed about the strategies that best initiate male-identified individuals’ involvement in these efforts. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived relevance and effectiveness of men’s engagement strategies from the perspective of men around the world who have organised or attended gender-based violence prevention events. Participants responded to an online survey (available in English, French and Spanish) and rated the effectiveness of 15 discrete engagement strategies derived from earlier qualitative work. Participants also provided suggestions regarding strategies in open-ended comments. Listed strategies cut across the social ecological spectrum and represented both venues in which to reach men, and the content of violence prevention messaging. Results suggest that all strategies, on average, were perceived as effective across regions of the world, with strategies that tailor messaging to topics of particular concern to men (such as fatherhood and healthy relationships) rated most highly. Open-ended comments also surfaced tensions, particularly related to the role of a gender analysis in initial men’s engagement efforts. Findings suggest the promise of cross-regional adaptation and information sharing regarding successful approaches to initiating men’s anti-violence involvement.

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