Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality Programming Course

Introduction

The Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality Programming course is a comprehensive training designed to build the capacity of professionals and practitioners to meaningfully involve men and boys in efforts to advance gender equality. It recognizes that while much of the focus has rightly been on empowering women and girls, sustainable social transformation also requires engaging men and boys as allies and stakeholders in the process.

Participants will explore the complex social, cultural, and institutional norms that shape gender roles and expectations. The course delves into concepts such as masculinity, patriarchy, power dynamics, and gender-based violence, offering critical insights into how these factors influence the behaviors, attitudes, and identities of men and boys. By understanding these dynamics, participants will be better equipped to challenge harmful norms and foster positive, equitable masculinities.

The course is grounded in evidence-based approaches and highlights best practices from global programs that have successfully engaged men and boys. Participants will examine real-world case studies, learn about gender-transformative methodologies, and acquire practical tools for designing, implementing, and evaluating effective interventions. Emphasis is placed on participatory, community-based strategies that promote reflection, dialogue, and behavior change.

This course is ideal for professionals working in development, education, health, human rights, peacebuilding, and related fields. Whether you are new to gender programming or seeking to deepen your expertise, the course offers a valuable opportunity to enhance your skills, build inclusive programming, and contribute to a more just and equitable society for all genders.
Who should attend?
This course is designed for a wide range of professionals and practitioners who are committed to advancing gender equality and social justice. It is especially relevant for:

• Gender specialists and program officers working in NGOs, UN agencies, and development organizations.
• Community workers and activists engaged in grassroots gender equality or violence prevention initiatives.
• Educators and youth mentors who work with boys and young men in schools, sports, or community settings.
• Health and social service providers, including those working in reproductive health, mental health, or family services.
• Policy-makers and government officials involved in gender policy, education, or social protection.

Duration
5 Days
Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

·       Understand the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in gender equality and identify the social, cultural, and institutional factors that influence gender roles and norms.

·       Analyze concepts such as masculinity, patriarchy, and gender-based violence, and explore how these intersect with issues of power, privilege, and oppression.

·       Explore evidence-based strategies and programming approaches that have successfully involved men and boys in gender-transformative initiatives across diverse contexts.

·       Design and adapt gender equality interventions that effectively engage men and boys, with attention to inclusivity, accountability, and cultural sensitivity.

·       Strengthen skills in facilitation, communication, and community engagement to foster critical reflection, promote positive masculinities, and support behavioral and social change.

·       Evaluate the impact of men and boys' engagement efforts using appropriate monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) tools and frameworks.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Gender Equality and the Role of Men and Boys

• Overview of key concepts: gender equality, equity, and justice
• Understanding the historical and contemporary gender landscape
• The rationale for engaging men and boys: benefits, challenges, and opportunities
• Global and local examples of impactful male engagement in gender equality work

Module 2: Designing Inclusive and Gender-Transformative Programs

• Principles of gender-transformative programming: beyond inclusion
• Identifying barriers to male engagement (cultural, social, psychological)
• Tools for conducting gender analyses that include male perspectives
• Case studies of inclusive, community-based program designs

Module 3: Challenging and Transforming Gender Norms

• The social construction of gender and masculinity
• Impacts of rigid gender norms on health, relationships, and violence
• Strategies for challenging harmful stereotypes in different contexts
• Community engagement approaches to promote equitable gender attitudes

Module 4: Promoting Positive Male Role Models and Allies

• Identifying and supporting male champions of gender equality
• Creating safe and supportive environments for reflection and allyship
• Structuring mentorship programs for youth and adult men
• Case examples of allyship in action from diverse global contexts

Module 5: Evaluating and Enhancing Engagement Strategies

• Designing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tools with gender lenses
• Collecting qualitative and quantitative data to assess impact
• Incorporating feedback from diverse stakeholders, including women and girls
• Developing adaptive strategies for continuous improvement

Module 6: Addressing Intersectionality and Diverse Male Experiences

• Understanding how race, class, sexuality, disability, and other identities intersect with gender
• Engaging marginalized groups of men and boys in programming
• Ensuring inclusivity and cultural relevance in interventions
• Avoiding essentialist narratives and promoting empathy across differences

Module 7: Community Mobilization and Advocacy

• Building coalitions with community leaders, religious figures, and institutions
• Facilitating participatory dialogues and peer education
• Designing awareness campaigns and public advocacy initiatives
• Leveraging local knowledge and assets to sustain change

Module 8: Safeguarding, Accountability, and Ethical Engagement

• Understanding power dynamics and risks in gender programming
• Establishing ethical frameworks and safeguarding measures
• Ensuring accountability to women, girls, and LGBTQ+ participants
• Practicing responsible facilitation and trauma-informed engagement

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue 

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808 

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better