Summary

A multi-faceted intervention to transform the behaviour of men and the norms of masculinity as well as engage men in reducing gender based violence against women and children.

Type of intervention

Group work

Target groups, level of prevention and subgroups

• Additional Resource | Group work | English, French, Portuguese

 

Target population

Adult males and their local communities.

Delivery organisation

Men as Partners is developed and managed by EngenderHealth (www.engenderhealth.org) in Johannesburg, South Africa, in partnership with Planned Parenthood Association of South Africa (PPASA). They collaborate with a wide network of organisations in order to extend the reach of MAP.

Mode and context of delivery

Men as Partners (MAP) is a multi-faceted intervention which aims to transform the behaviour of men and norms of masculinity, to engage men in reducing gender-based violence against women and children and to promote health. It includes workshops with groups of men which take place in a wide range of settings including trade unions, prisons, youth settings, military bases and faith based organisations. A human rights approach is taken, combined with community action. Community Action Teams find practical ways to mobilise men in their own community in activities which contribute to greater gender equality, such as awareness raising theatrical performances, presentations and painting murals.

The programme was developed in South Africa in 1998 and has since been introduced in over 15 countries around the world.

Level/nature of staff expertise required

MAP educators often have a background as community activists. No specific professional background is required, but educators must have completed a workshop programme as participants and then deliver a workshop themselves on which they receive feedback on their facilitation. There is a training programme guide published.

Intensity/extent of engagement with target group(s)

MAP workshops run over 4 -5 days and include around 35 hours of educational activities. Group size is usually up to 20 participants.

Description of intervention

Men as Partners (MAP) was developed in South Africa in 1998 by EngenderHealth and Planned Parenthood Association of South Africa. It has since been introduced in over 15 countries around the world. It is a multi-faceted intervention which aims to:

• Challenge attitudes, values and behaviours of men that compromises their own health and safety and the health and safety of women and children
• Encourage men to become actively involved in preventing gender-based violence in their local communities

The main element of the model is workshops with groups of men or mixed-sex groups, which take place in a variety of settings such as prisons, youth groups, faith based organisations and trade unions. These run over four or five days with 35 hours of educational activities. They are interactive and non-directive, encouraging reflection and discussion. They take a human rights and community activist approach and aim to engage and build on men's assets. There is a MAP manual for Master Educators and Trainers.

The workshops sessions cover:

• Gender socialisation process and power dynamics
• How gender impacts on sexuality, parenting and relationships
• Healthy sexual behaviour and HIV
• Domestic and sexual violence
• Redefining masculinity and taking positive action in the community

Following the workshops participants join Community Action Teams which take part in activities to prevent genderbased violence. In addition MAP enhances health care facilities’ capacity to provide men with quality care by training health care professionals to offer male friendly services.

In addition, they lead local and national public education campaigns using murals, street theatres, rallies and the media, which explore the theme of partnership. They work to build national and international advocacy networks to create a global movement.

More information is available at: http://www.engenderhealth.org/our-work/gender/men-as-partners.php#sthash...

Evaluations

EngenderHealth. (2004). Men as partners programme South Africa: 2002-2004. Final report to the Ford Foundation on outcomes and lessons. Johannesburg: EngenderHealth.

EngenderHealth. (2005). Men as partners programme promising practices guide. Johannesburg: EngenderHealth.

The men as partners program in South Africa: Reaching men to end gender-based violence and promote sexual and reproductive health D Peacock, A Levack. International Journal of Men’s Health, Vol. 3, No. 3, Fall 2004, 173-188. © 2004 by the Men’s Studies Press, LLC. All rights reserved. See www.engenderhealth.org/our-work/gender/men-as-partners.php#sthash.eSfmrA....

References

Engaging men and boys in changing gender-based inequity in health: evidence from programme interventions. G Barker, C Ricardo, M Nascimento - 2007 - cabdirect.org.

EngenderHealth Men as Partners. A Program for Supplementing the training of Life Skills Education. 2nd edition.

ISPCAN (2014) Working with Men and Boys – A child protection strategy. www.ispcan.org.

Contact details

Email: info@engenderhealth.org or materialresources@engenderhealth.org
Address: US Offices, 440 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
Telephone: 001 212 561 8000
Website: www.engenderhealth.org

RATING: Pioneering

Information correct at August 2019