Menengage monogram
Beirut June 2019 73 of 187

What we believe — Our shared values and standards

As an alliance, we firmly believe that working with men and boys is an important catalyst for advancing women’s rights, LGBTIQ+ rights, and broader social justice. 

Evidence is clear that this work can also help men and boys to live happier, healthier, and more connected lives. But it is complex, sensitive, and challenging work. Even well-intentioned efforts can inadvertently cause harm without careful consideration and informed approaches.

Because of this, members and partners of MenEngage Alliance have collectively developed a set of shared values, standards, commitments, and aspirations. These are embodied in our interconnected Accountability Framework.

Developed with the participation of more than 300 practitioners in the field, the MenEngage Accountability Framework consists of three pillars: Our Core Principles, Code of Conduct, and Accountability Standards. Together, they are a vital resource for MenEngage members and the wider field, guiding us towards stronger practices and greater impact. It also provides a basis for identifying and addressing concerns against our collectively agreed standards.

Explore the Accountability Framework of MenEngage Alliance 

The MenEngage Accountability Framework represents a collective agreement among members of MenEngage Alliance. It also serves as a roadmap for anyone seeking to elevate standards, embed accountable practices, and cultivate a deeper understanding and dedication to social change work with men and boys for gender equality, women’s rights, LGBTQI+ rights, climate justice, and broader social justice.

Our Core Principles are a set of values, principles, and commitments for working with men and boys, co-created and shared by members of MenEngage Alliance:

1. We stand for women’s rights and gender justice 

2. We embrace intersectional feminism 

3. We support human rights for all 

4. We work to disrupt and end patriarchy 

5. We celebrate and embrace diverse identities, expressions, and characteristics of sex, gender and sexuality 

6. We strive to address racism and its root causes 

7. We believe in the capability of men and boys to actively support gender, social, and climate justice 

8. We strive to decolonise our systems, practices, values, and mindsets 

9. We believe that transformation must begin with ourselves 

10. We are accountable for our words, actions, and decisions 

Our Code of Conduct outlines the behaviours and practices we commit to upholding – personally and professionally – as individuals working for gender justice

Our Accountability Standards set out our institutional commitments and aspirations for how we do the work that we do, and how to make ourselves accountable for it