A comparative study of men's roles in violence against women programs in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Timore Leste

Abstract

There is now an acceptance from NGOs, donors, and academics in the aid sector that men have an important role to play as allies in violence against women initiatives and projects. This recognition is not a sudden phenomenon, but comes as a result of the combination of the efforts of the feminist movement which first sought to have violence against women recognised as an international development issue, and the influence of academic literature about masculinities which argued for men's activism in gender equality. There have been few critical analyses and little independent research has been conducted about male involvement. Those studies that have argued in favour of involving men as activists or leaders to take action have been largely viewed as positive. The thesis contends that, although the rationale for involving men is sound, the tendency in development theories and practice to de-radicalise feminist analysis of gender relations and male violence against women means that programs which involve men cannot realise their full potential. Examining the roles men have to play in violence against women programs within the international development context, I have conducted qualitative studies in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Timor Leste, with 184 interviews held with men and women from local communities, NGOs, donors, and government agencies. The results of this study show that men's roles are complex, and are influenced by the broader social and political context of inequalities. Male participation is sometimes celebrated as heroic by NGOs, and men who profess a deep sense of ethical obligation towards ending violence against women enjoy the power, attention, and resources derived from their participation. Donors and NGOs attempt to increase male participation through the use of culture or religion in projects. But in some cases, there is an unquestioning abidance of local norms and values, and an assumption that all men and women from the community share and agree to the same values and identities. These findings have important implications for development practice, which has prioritised short-term displays of male activism, instead of focussing on the structural causes of male violence against women. When winning men's "hearts and minds" to participate in violence against women programs, it is important not to reinforce traditional gender roles of men as protectors and guardians of women's safety. Show more