Boys and men: Part of the equation to reduce gender-based violence in Mexico

Simetría AC conducted research to increase knowledge about the strategies developed by CSOs in Mexico to include boys and men in the prevention and eradication of gender-based violence (GBV), with a specific focus on domestic and intimate partner violence. 

As part of the study, the work of CSOs in various countries was analyzed, and in-depth interviews were carried out with eight CSOs in Mexico. In addition, a literature review of international practices was conducted to understand how women´s organizations work with men. As a result of this research, a guide on good practices for the inclusion of men in the solutions to domestic violence was constructed.

This report finds that CSOs working to prevent and eradicate violence against women in Mexico and that include men in their strategies use similar methodologies. The CSOs interviewed combine reflection groups, workshops, and psychotherapy to achieve their goals. As a central part of their strategies, CSOs review and reflect with men on social norms, gender roles and stereotypes, and domestic violence and its effects, as well as alternative ways to control anger, among other topics.

Participants in the selected strategies reported having more tools to control themselves at times when they feel the urge to use violence at home. Men participants mentioned they felt happy and enthusiastic about their participation in the workshops, reporting that, as a result, they can identify and eliminate gender stereotypes and have improved their abilities to communicate with the people close to them. There are, however, continued challenges to the improvement of programmes with men. The main challenge is the lack of budget for the CSOs working in this area.