Working with men to prevent and address violence against women: South African perspectives

Abstract

With one of the highest prevalence rates in the world, violence against women is a critical issue in South Africa. Though efforts to respond to violence against women have traditionally focused on women’s behaviour, rights and empowerment, there is growing recognition of the importance of working with men and boys. This trend can be observed in South Africa, where efforts to engage men and boys in preventing and addressing violence against women are increasingly prevalent. Based on field research, this thesis explores the perspectives of members of South Africa’s gender-based violence sector on efforts to engage men. Though specific to the South African context, this case study speaks to the broader debates in gender and development around ‘bringing men in’ and may provide relevant insight for other contexts.