Putting the Gender into GBV- Engaging Men and Boys among the Afghan Refugee Community in Pakistan

Objectives: ARC International is strengthening its work with men in Gender Based Violence (GBV) programming by recognizing men as partners in GBV prevention. This has been particularly challenging for ARC's work with the Afghan refugee community in Pakistan where men are gatekeepers and decision makers at all levels, however, interventions must involve men to have a measurable impact on behaviour change. ARC works closely with communities to design interventions that are relevant, recognize cultural complexities, and do no additional harm to survivors.

Methods: ARC is working to combat gender-based violence (GBV) with Afghan refugees by engaging the community and using participatory methodology with a special focus on men and boys.

Results/Recommendations: Numerous challenges have emerged throughout ARC's work with men and boys including: • Facilitating behaviour change is tied to long-held cultural and religious beliefs; • The concept of honour/obligation to avenge any offence – resulting in extreme reluctance to report offences and sometimes homicide/suicide of survivors; • High incidence of sexual abuse of young boys that is unacknowledged; • A high level of gender segregation makes it extremely difficult to access the female population.

Conclusions: Findings from program implementation highlight successful strategies which include: • Engaging religious leaders as change agents in the community; • Using religious texts to reinforce positive messages on women/men's roles; • Using both male and female outreach workers/trainers; • Working with male youth through sport/health education activities; and • Emphasizing the negative health consequences of GBV among women/community.