Written by programmes intern Aoife Sherry. Contributions by Esperanza Escorza.
One of our priorities at World Vision is empowering vulnerable women and girls. However, achieving gender equality requires everyone to take action. Without challenging the stereotypes, norms, and ways of thinking that hold women and girls back, real change simply won’t happen. That’s why , in our effort to promote gender equality, World Vision Ireland works not just with women and girls, but with men and boys too.
Harmful gender norms can hurt everyone. The pressure to “be a man,” to be a provider, and to stay strong, can take a toll on men and boy’s mental and physical health, especially in places affected by conflict, poverty, or instability. These expectations can prevent men from showing or talking about their emotions, reaching out for help, or building healthy relationships. They can even encourage risky or aggressive behaviour.
However, when men are encouraged to rethink what it means to be a man, great change can happen.
Why men matter in the fight for gender equality
Across the world, men hold most of the decision-making power. However, this means they are in a unique position to influence change, by being gender equality advocates. This is true not just in their own homes, but across entire communities. Men can be role models for those around them, and when they begin to model positive forms of masculinity, by prioritising respect, empathy, and equality, the norms can begin to shift.
What is MenCare?
MenCare is a global approach – co-founded by Equimundo and Sonke Gender Justice in 2011 - that encourages men to become supportive partners, caring fathers, and allies in ending gender-based violence and inequality. The programme provides men with the space to reflect on what it means to them to be a man and teaches them healthier and more positive ways to express their masculinity.
MenCare focuses on helping men:
- Build healthier and more respectful relationships
- Learn positive parenting skills
- Promote shared decision-making at home
- Develop healthier coping mechanisms
- Challenge harmful ideas about masculinity
World Vision Ireland uses the MenCare approach in our NOURISH and EMPOWER! programmes, to encourage community-wide changes in attitudes and behaviours.
After men join the programme, they take part in sessions that discuss everything from gender roles and power dynamics, to women’s and girls’ rights.
This creates powerful ripple effects, as the men take the lessons they learnt back into their communities. By practicing what they have learned, they can be positive role models to their children, their neighbours, and their communities.
Demonstrating change in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The MenCare approach is flourishing in the communities of Vuhovi and Mabalako in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These are places where traditional and customary beliefs about gender have shaped daily life for generations, leading to high levels of gender inequality. Many people grew up believing that women were inferior to men, and should always be submissive.
But we are seeing that things are beginning to change. Since 2023, we’ve helped to establish seven MenCare groups through our EMPOWER! programme, each with 25 members. After completing the sessions, these members often go on to share what they have learned with their communities. Young boys in schools are also taking part in peer-education sessions, helping to shift attitudes early on. Programmes targeting couples are also having an impact. They are learning how to communicate better, share decision-making powers and household responsibilities, and reduce violence at home.
One woman participating in MenCare activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo told us, “in our home my husband no longer uses the power over, but he uses the power with. Before he decided on his own but now, he has started to involve me in the decisions.” She demonstrates the real impact of MenCare on communities, by showing how the sessions encourage men and women to work together as equals within the household.
Another man participating in MenCare shared that “by working together, we can challenge the old ways and build a better future for our children.” He shows how challenging gender stereotypes and harmful behaviours not only reduces violence and discrimination now, but for future generations too. MenCare means that young boys and girls will grow up in a more equal and supportive environment, allowing them to flourish.
These testimonies reveal the beginning of a cultural shift. In fact, 86.1% of households in target areas now have women actively involved in household decision-making. This demonstrates the impact of the programme in promoting a shift in thinking amongst men and communities.
In Vuhovi, we are witnessing real change towards ending gender-based violence. Just a few years ago, domestic violence was considered normal, and a private matter between couples. Now, community members recognise it as a human rights violation that requires action. This shows the impact of MenCare, and how it can change mindsets, leading to a reduction in violence, and the creation of safer homes for women and girls.
When men and boys work to challenge harmful stereotypes, everyone wins, and communities become safer, more inclusive places to live.
A future built on equality
Achieving gender equality and ending gender-based violence takes work. It also isn’t something women and girls can do alone. We all have a role to play in questioning the harmful gendered norms and behaviours that shape our world.
MenCare is helping communities do exactly that, especially in fragile contexts where change is needed most. By supporting men to rethink what it means to be a man, we are helping to build a future where women, girls, men, and boys, can all thrive. This will help us to create a freer and more equal world, not just for us, but for future generations too.