Category: Communities coming together to overcome GBV
Subcategory: Training Manuals and materials
Abstract
The report explores the complex interplay between traditional gender roles, particularly male breadwinning, and the pervasive issues of HIV, violence against women, and gender inequality. The report underscores that traditional masculinity, which emphasises men as primary providers and authority figures, often exacerbates gender disparities and contributes to the spread of HIV and gender-based violence. The document emphasises the need for systemic change and the active participation of men in fostering gender equality to address the intertwined issues of HIV, violence against women, and broader gender inequities.
The findings highlight that entrenched breadwinner expectations pressure men to engage in risky behaviours, such as multiple sexual partnerships and reluctance to seek health care, thereby increasing their vulnerability to HIV. This dynamic also fuels gender-based violence, as men may use aggression to assert their dominance when their economic role is threatened.
The report advocates for transformative approaches to masculinity that promote equitable gender relations and shared responsibilities. It calls for engaging men in conversations about gender norms and encouraging behaviours that support both partners' well-being. Such transformative masculinities involve men in caregiving, challenge patriarchal structures, and promote healthy, non-violent relationships.