Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 02/2011

Women and Men: Hand in Hand Against Violence Strategies and approaches of working with men and boys for ending violence against women

Ola Ataya

November 2010

Oxfam Publishing

Abstract

Ending violence against women (VAW) requires the collaboration of all community members. There is a growing awareness that men, in partnership with women, can play a significant role in ending violence against women. This training resource was developed for use in Arab countries in order to teach the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to promote gender equality and to prevent violence against women through the effective engagement of men. It explores the concepts surrounding VAW, what factors are involved, and the consequences. It presents case studies, tips, and lessons learned, drawn from different experiences and from programmes that work with men as partners in VAW prevention. The primary audience for this document will be community workers and practitioners working in the MENA region who are involved in working to prevent violence against women, particularly through the engagement of men. The manual has been produced by Oxfam GB in association with KAFA and the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women