Male Engagement in Addressing Gender-Based Violence: A 'Male' Perspective

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue that transcends cultures, communities, and socio-economic backgrounds. For years, the fight against GBV has primarily been driven by women’s voices, and rightly so, they have been the most affected. However, as a man, I have come to realize that male engagement in this fight is not just necessary, it is crucial.

When I first started learning about GBV, my understanding was limited to what I saw or heard on the news; stories of domestic abuse, rape, or physical violence. I would often feel a mix of outrage and helplessness, thinking this was a problem for women to solve. But over time, I started to reflect on my role as a man in this issue, realizing that remaining passive was contributing to the problem.

GBV is not just a women’s issue; it is a human issue. Men, whether knowingly or unknowingly, are often part of the structures that perpetuate these forms of violence. It’s not always physical violence; many of us have been part of conversations, jokes, or behaviors that reinforce harmful stereotypes about women. These subtle but powerful cultural norms are what enable violence to thrive in the first place.

For me, male engagement in GBV prevention begins with accountability. It starts with reflecting on my own actions, attitudes, and privileges as a man. There have been moments where I could have spoken up when someone made a derogatory comment about women or reinforced toxic masculinity, but I remained silent. That silence, I now know, is a form of complicity. If we, as men, do not challenge these behaviors within ourselves and our communities, we are only perpetuating the cycle of violence.

Engaging men in the conversation around GBV requires vulnerability. It involves unpacking what society has taught us about masculinity and acknowledging that some of those lessons are deeply flawed. We need to foster a sense of emotional intelligence in men, where expressing feelings and vulnerability is seen as strength rather than weakness. Too often, men are raised to suppress their emotions, leading to frustration and sometimes aggression, which can manifest in violent behavior.

Male engagement also requires solidarity with women and survivors of GBV. For me, this means not speaking over women but amplifying their voices. It means being an ally who listens, supports, and takes action when needed. It also means actively participating in gender equality efforts, whether it’s in the workplace, in social settings, or at home.

As a man, I have learned that standing against GBV means more than just pledging not to commit violence. It means advocating for policies that protect survivors, calling out sexism when I see it, and educating other men about the importance of respect, consent, and equality. It’s about mentoring younger boys and men, showing them that there is a different, more compassionate way to express masculinity.

As men, we have a unique and powerful role to play in ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV). It’s time to step up and take responsibility, not only for our actions but for the culture we help shape.

I challenge every man reading this to reflect on their attitudes and behaviors, speak up against harmful norms, and become an ally in the fight against GBV. Start conversations with your friends, call out misogynistic behavior, and support survivors. Engage in gender equality efforts both at home and in the workplace. By taking these steps, we can create a ripple effect that transforms our communities.

We need to recognize that the fight against GBV is not just a battle for women but for men, too, because we all stand to benefit from a society free of violence and oppression. Together, we can dismantle the structures that allow violence to persist and build a future where respect, compassion, and equality are the norms.