What Men & Boys Can Do
Men increasingly are changing their own behavior and personal attitudes, and accomplishing this is essential to eliminating violence in their lives. However, fewer men are ready to speak out publicly against violence and sexism—to take action as a bystander witnessing violence or abuse, to serve as a role model and mentor for other men and boys, or to work as an ally with others to help end gender-based violence. Expanding the number of men and boys who take on these more action-oriented roles is one of the keys to ending gender-based violence. And identifying the roles that young and adult men can play is an important step in deciding how best to work with them.
Men may take on more than one role, and their roles may change over time. This section outlines four roles:
- Work on Ourselves
- Taking Action as a Bystander
- Serving as a Mentor or Role Model
- Working as an Ally.
Recommended Reading
Interview with Luis Rodriguez, who describes his transformation from gang member to antiviolence activist.
Interview with Geoffrey Canada, author of the book, Moving towards Manhood, about the importance of work with young men.
“Political Connections: Men, Gender and Violence” by Alan Greig
This paper discusses the politics of men’s roles and responsibilities in efforts to end gender-based violence. Ending violence is more than a matter of individual men changing their behavior; it also requires political action to challenge the systems that reinforce and promote violence.
What Every Man Can Do to Help End Men’s Violence Against Women
The White Ribbon Campaign
“10 Things Men Can Do to Prevent Gender Violence” by Jackson Katz
“A Question for Jewish Men” by Paul Kivel
This article outlines different roles for men in the Jewish community.
