Course E0510: Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality Programming
Since the 1990s, gender equality advocates have increasingly urged humanitarian and development organisations to engage men and boys as a complement to empowering women and girls. This e-learning course introduces participants to principles, strategies, normative frameworks and policy approaches that have emerged from this work. Examining critical concepts such as masculinity, patriarchy and intersectionality, the course discusses why a holistic approach is central to achieving gender equality and explores the relationship between gender equality, sustainable development and human rights. Through case studies, it will also look at how practitioners can use these key concepts to transform gender relations and overcome gender inequalities faced by women and men.
Participants will think critically about how men and boys can serve both as change agents and as target groups in realising gender equality and gender justice for all. This course will focus on the lessons learned by organisations that have carried out gender equality programmes that have engaged men and boys in fields such as gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, domestic work and caregiving, education, income generation and economic empowerment of women.
Course objectives
This e-learning course provides a general introduction to the evolution of the discourse and practice revolving around engaging men and boys in gender programming.
After this course, you will be able to:
- summarise the development of the international discourse on engaging men and boys in gender equality programming and its underlying evidence base;
- describe the international normative and legal framework on engaging men and boys in gender equality programming;
- define the central strategies and approaches that have been developed by key stakeholders to advance the engagement of men and boys in gender equality programming;
- describe the key patterns of critique and resistance faced by the agenda on engaging men and boys in gender equality programming;
- assess where progress has been made and where gaps remain in engaging men and boys in gender equality programming;
- compare and contrast the different roles that men and boys can take in various programmatic approaches and issue area of gender equality programming;
- develop/recommend measures to engage men and boys in the gender equality portfolio of a development agency.
Course format
This certificate course involves approximately 30 hours of reading, discussion, weekly 90-minute live classroom sessions (on Thursday's from 14h00-15h30 UTC/GMT) with the course instructor and/or guests experts, assignments (both individual and in small groups)
and quizzes, and is offered over a six-week period. The course is based on a participatory, active learning approach, with an emphasis on critical reflection and peer-to-peer learning. Participants will do the required readings, prepare interim
and final assignments and participate in group discussions. Case studies will be used to enable interactive learning and activities. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation. It is also possible
to audit the course.
Week 1: Men, masculinities and gender – key concepts and normative/legal framework
Week 2: Opportunities and challenges of engaging men and boys in gender equality programming
Week 3: Gender-based violence
Week 4: Sexual and reproductive
health and HIV/AIDS
Week 5: Domestic work and caregiving
Week 6: Lessons learned and the way ahead
Course instructor(s): Frank Elbers
Who should apply
The course is intended for staff of government and inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations, humanitarian and development practitioners, gender focal points, or academic institutions interested in gender equality. Participants should have a good written command of English and have high competence and comfort with computing devices and Internet use.
Upcoming session(s): 23 October-3 December 2024
Costs: Tuition fee for participants: € 345 (after 1 August 2024: € 405); tuition for auditors: € 135 (€ 165 after 1 August 2024). Payments can be made online with major credit cards (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa), PayPal and bank transfer. Bulk rates are available. Payments are due upon registration.
Other upcoming courses