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16 ways to engage men and boys to end Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Sri Lanka

16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence

The COVID-19 pandemic saw an alarming increase in gender-based violence. We have a long way to go to eliminate Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Sri Lanka.

What part can we play in this? How can men and boys help to end Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Sri Lanka?

Over the next 16 days, we present 16 ways to question, engage and reflect. Join us.

01. Transform patriarchal masculinities

Patriarchal masculinities refers to ideas and practices that emphasize the authority of men over women. It is closely linked to violence against girls and women as well as wider society.

Question and challenge practices and notions of patriarchal masculinity. Reflect on your positions of power and privilege.

It is impossible to speak about gendered violence without speaking about patriarchal masculinity.

Examining the roles, privileges and individual power of men and boys and understanding different concepts of masculinity is essential to end gendered violence.

Join the white ribbon campaign to show your commitment.

02. Share the care work

‘Care work’ refers to labor involving caring for others – children, dependent adults, or seniors. Taking on an equal share of household chores and responsibilities models positive behaviors at home and among your family and community.

By rejecting negative role models, we become catalysts for change. Sharing is caring, after all.

Often, care work responsibilities are divided unequally in households.

Our gender roles are learned from the people around us. What are the behaviors you model for the people around you? How is care work shared in your household?

03. Stop being a bystander

Show that degrading, violent and abusive attitudes and behaviors towards women are unacceptable and will not be silently tolerated.

Take action to end violence against women and girls.

It is vital to create a dynamic culture that supports a range of interventions to suit different situations. A culture that empowers individuals to seek assistance and actively prevents gender-based violence.

04. Become a peer supporter

Men and boys can be better allies by calling out, questioning and rejecting sexist ideas, jokes and language among friends, peers and co-workers.

These are not easy conversations to have. But the sooner we start, the closer we get to eliminating gendered violence in Sri Lanka.

Hold yourself accountable. Question or raise your concerns privately. Call out sexist behavior and language. Public allyship is critical for change.

Examples of everyday sexism are far more common than we realize.

By ignoring or refusing to reflect on everyday sexism or dismissing sexist humor as trivial or as “just a joke”, men and boys unknowingly set up the conditions which allow violence and abuse to happen.