Involving young men in preventing violence against women : a case study of Instituto Promundo's Program H : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
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Date
2016
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Abstract
Intimate partner violence among youth is recognised as a public health concern, an
obstacle to economic development, and a gross violation of human rights. This research
found that intimate partner violence against women is closely linked to inequitable
gender attitudes. In order to combat violence related to these gender attitudes,
prevention interventions have particularly targeted young men in recent years.
However, in aiming to solve this issue, violence prevention has often heavily focused
on reducing the risk of negative behaviour, rather than positively empowering youth
participation and growth. Approaches that instead view youth as resources to be
developed, rather than simply as risks to society, are recommended. This research is
focusing specifically on Instituto Promundo as an example of an organisation that seeks
to fulfil youth rights in practice and improve youth behaviour and attitudes relating to
gender within the Brazilian context. Promundo’s ‘Program H’ works to empower young
men to rewrite harmful traditional masculinities and ultimately prevent violence through
engagement in both individual and community activities. This report utilised a Positive
Youth Development framework to investigate Program H, and found that the initiative
has the potential to simultaneously prevent the risk of violence while also promoting
positive youth behaviour. Program H significantly contributes to changing inequitable
gender norms amongst young men, with potential positive and empowering flow-on
effects to the young people of Brazil and the wider Latin American region.
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Keywords
Intimate partner violence, Abused women, Prevention, Brazil, Research Subject Categories::INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AREAS::Gender studies