PENTECOST NOVENA

for the end of human trafficking

Day 6

The Role of Men and Boys in Gender Equality and Human Trafficking

"What Men Have to do With It"

Education

Agreed Conclusions for Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality

Commission on the Status of Women, 2004

• Gender-equitable education for boys and girls;

• Engaging men as fathers in gender-equitable socialization of children and in caregiving;

• Institutionalizing the inclusion of men and boys in gender equality and gender mainstreaming policies;

• Public information campaigns and engaging the media, including the internet in questioning inequitable and sexist views;

• Engaging men and boys in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention and in sexual and reproductive health; and

• Engaging men and boys to reduce gender based violence.

“Could changes in men’s attitudes and behaviors about health, violence and parenting benefit women, children – and men? Do national policies influence men’s behaviors in relation to child rearing, employment and gender-based violence? ICRW and partners on March 3, 2010 released a global, comparative policy analysisthat examines how changes in national policies could help achieve gender equality.

Most policies that strive for equality still focus exclusively on empowering women and neglect the role that men can play in the effort. In the report, titled “What Men have to do With It,” experts summarize how policies of seven countries involve men in gender equality goals.

The study also analyzes whether the policies address social norms that reinforce traditional perceptions of what it means to be a man. The authors analyze advances, challenges and remaining gaps in a range of policy arenas, such as public security, health, livelihoods and engaging men as fathers and caregivers.  “What Men Have to do With It” calls for policy responses that account for the specific historical and political contexts of each country.”  (International Research on Women – www.icrw.org)

Organizations working with Men & Boys to end Gender Inequality:

• Men Engage - http://www.menengage.org/default_en.asp

• Interagency Gender Working Group - http://www.igwg.org/

• UN Population Fund - http://www.unfpa.org/gender/men.htm

• White Ribbon Campaign - http://www.whiteribbon.ca/

Reflection

Music:  “Beautiful Slave”   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jYU9meVXKg

Rosemary Reynolds SNDdeNamur