Calls to engage men and boys
in efforts to promote health, prevent violence and advance gender equality have
grown in recent years. However, there remains little evidence or reflection on
how most effectively to change harmful norms related to masculinity.
The study
addresses this gap by exploring the perspectives of participants in the Young
Men Initiative (YMI), an innovative programme that aimed to promote healthier
masculinities among boys attending vocational high schools in several Balkan
countries through educational workshops, residential retreats and a social
marketing campaign.
Qualitative data were collected through 37 in-depth
interviews and 11 focus-group discussions with boys, youth facilitators and
teachers. Findings from four schools (in Belgrade, Sarajevo, Prishtina and
Zagreb) suggest that several elements of the programme resonated strongly with
participants and supported their meaningful engagement in project activities.
Five themes emerged as most salient in identifying how and why specific aspects
of YMI positively influenced participants: personal reflection,
experience-based learning, connections with youth facilitators, new peer groups
and aspirational messaging.
Building on these insights, the study highlights
potentially useful strategies for other programmes seeking to reach boys and
transform their understanding of masculinity.
Purchase full article at: http://goo.gl/9qY8xb
By: Namy S1, Heilman B2, Stich S2, Crownover J3, Leka B4, Edmeades J5.
- 1 Raising Voices , Kampala , Uganda.
- 2 Independent Researcher.
- 3 CARE International Balkans , Banja Luka , Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- 4 CARE International Balkans , Prishtina , Kosovo.
- 5 International Center for Research on Women , Washington , DC , USA.
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