Gender-transformative approaches

Taking a ​‘gender-transformative approach’ means working to change social norms, ideas, institutions, and systems. For MenEngage Alliance, this includes challenging stereotypes about ​‘being a man’ and promoting equitable, non-violent and inclusive ideas of manhood. By taking a gender-transformative approach, we seek to tackle the root causes of gender inequalities, and to dismantle structures that continue to make the world unfair and unequal.

Why MenEngage Alliance supports a gender-transformative approach 

Programs for men and boys that are not gender-transformative – that is, they do not address power imbalances or challenge traditional gender roles – can actually perpetuate inequality and harm. It is crucial that initiatives actively work to change power structures and privilege.

With various kinds of programs and initiative in the field, it is important to promote that the work with men and boys is genuinely gender transformative and guided by intersectional feminist approaches. By doing so, we can foster more inclusive and effective approaches towards achieving gender equality and justice. 

What does MenEngage Alliance do in relation to gender-transformative approaches? 

• We push for gender-transformative approaches with men and boys in policy, programs, and public opinion (e.g. see our 10 Policy Recommendations)
• We provide a platform for members and partners to share experiences, promising practices, and lessons learned around putting gender transformative approaches into practice. We bring grassroots organisations, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, UN agencies, governments, donors, leading researchers, and individual activists together in spaces that set the agenda for gender-transformative approaches with men and boys. Working as a convener, we are able to mobilise increasingly larger groups of people working through a range of approaches.