At Davision Refugee Women and Youth, we believe that creating homes free from gender-based violence (GBV) requires the active involvement of everyone and that includes men and boys.
That’s why we recently organized a transformative workshop aimed at engaging male allies as part of the solution to end GBV. This workshop brought together 50 participants from across the settlement
- 30 young men aged 17 to 25 Years
- 20 men aged 25 to 45 years
Why Men and Boys Matter in the Fight Against GBV
In Kyaka ii refugee settlement , where resources are limited and trauma runs deep, harmful gender norms can go unchallenged. Our workshop created a safe space for honest dialogue about power, masculinity, and violence. Gender-based violence is often rooted in harmful norms, stereotypes, and unequal power dynamics. While women and girls are disproportionately affected, the conversation must include men and boys not only as potential perpetrators or bystanders but as crucial partners in the movement for change.
Engaging men and boys means challenging toxic masculinity, encouraging empathy, and promoting healthier ways of expressing identity, power, and emotion.
Inside the Workshop Conversations that Matter
We brought together participants from various backgrounds, students, professionals, community leaders, and fathers all united by a common goal to better understand their role in ending GBV. They came with different experiences but a shared desire to be part of the change.
storytelling, discussions, and interactive exercises, participants explored:
- What causes GBV and how it affects communities
- How men can intervene as allies and advocates
- The impact of harmful masculinity
How to model positive behavior for younger generations.
Some of the crucial issues and the root causes of GBV raised by participants was the link between unemployment, drugs and alcohol abuse, and childhood trauma. With limited opportunities and growing frustration, many young men turn to harmful coping mechanisms and too often, women and girls bear the brunt of that anger.
“You can’t talk about ending violence without talking about poverty and hopelessness,” said one participant. “When young men have no jobs, no direction, and no support, they lose hope. That’s when drugs, alcohol, and violence take over.” (Participant)
CALL TO ACTION
Building a Network of Male Allies One of the most powerful outcomes was the sense of unity and responsibility that emerged. Participants didn’t just leave with knowledge they left with purpose. Many pledged to be role models, speak out against violence, and lead by example in their homes, schools, and communities.
This is Just the Beginning Ending gender-based violence is a collective effort. At Davision, we are committed to continuing creating more spaces for men and boys to grow, question, and lead with compassion.
OUR COMMITMENT Growing a Movement of Male Allies
The workshop didn’t end with conversation. It sparked action. Many participants committed to
- Challenging GBV in their homes and communities
- Becoming mentors for younger boys
- Promoting healthy relationships based on respect and equality
“Silence and indifference fuel the problem. Action, empathy, and education are the way forward. Together, we can raise a generation of men who respect, protect, and uplift not just women and girls, but each other.”
The workshop wasn’t about blaming, it was about building awareness and empowering change.
