Educational intervention guide. Promoting positive masculinities for the prevention of violence against women. Conceptual toolbox and activities

Abstract

Violence against women (VAW) is one of the world’s most persistent and destructive societal problems. It does not occur in isolation as it is strongly influenced by the ways gender relations are constructed and by the ways femininities and masculinities are culturally represented and negotiated in daily interactions. Many of the beliefs, behaviours and attitudes that sustain VAW are related to gendered expectations and norms. That is why it is so important to work on our understanding of gender relations and roles in VAW prevention. This educational intervention guide was created in the context of the PositivMasc Project, which was carried out from 2019-2022 by researchers in Ireland, Israel, Spain and Sweden and funded by the GENDER-NET European research network. The PositivMasc project aims to explore discourses of non-violent forms of masculinity and ways in which to support and promote positive masculinities for the prevention of VAW among young people and in society (Salazar et al., 2020). In fact, more positive expressions of masculinities (non-violent, inclusive, empathetic, caring, or egalitarian) are emerging in society, advocated by women and men fighting against different forms of VAW (Elliott, 2016). One of the key concepts underpinning this document is positive masculinities, which refers to potential alternatives to hegemonic masculinity and ways of promoting more inclusive, empathetic, caring and equitable forms of manhood and gender equity (Foley et al., 2015; Pérez-Martínez et. al, 2021). As part of the PositivMasc project goals related to research dissemination and research impact, we present this guide which includes a conceptual toolbox and activities for engaging young people in actively rethinking gender relations and promoting gender-equitable and healthy relationships free of VAW.