This quick guide to Transforming Masculinities (TM) provides a brief overview of Tearfund’s evidence-based approach to ending sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and promoting gender-equal societies.

It introduces the three key components:

• Faith leader training and engagement
• Gender Champion training and engagement
• Community Dialogues

The quick guide also provides a brief introduction to the three core resources: Hand in Hand Bible studies, the training manual for faith leaders and Gender Champions, and the Community Dialogue handbook. It outlines the structure and purpose of the community dialogues, highlighting the core messages from each week and detailing the essential components of the sessions. This quick guide is built upon by the implementation guide which gives a detailed walk through of the programme for those who are considering implementation.

Why we need to address sexual and gender-based violence

One in every three women and girls will experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. That is 1 billion women and girls in our world today. Violence against women and girls happens in every country and in every sphere and strata of society in various forms, such as rape, physical abuse, harassment and discrimination. Sexual and gender-based violence deprives women and girls of a life of dignity which is why ending it is critical. 

Statistically, the majority of perpetrators of SGBV are men and boys; our work specifically addresses the understanding and behaviour of individual men and boys as well as the social norms that lead to male violence against women and girls. It is important to note that men and boys also experience SGBV. Therefore, our goal is to shift harmful social norms and behaviours which accept any SGBV, in order to end violence for both men and women so that everyone can thrive free from abuse and violence. 

The aim of the Transforming Masculinities approach, however, is to work towards gender equality through a gender transformative model, founded on the inherent equitable principles and sacred texts of Christianity and other world faiths that value the flourishing of all human beings. As a faith-based organisation our experience has been that faith leaders and faith traditions can be equally powerful agents for positive change in addressing SGBV.

Our approach 

Our approach promotes positive models for being men and women, for leadership, for restoring relationships and for promoting gender equality in every sphere of society. Transforming Masculinities aims to promote change in individual behaviours and social norms on gender, masculinities and SGBV. We strongly believe that this will lead to systemic changes in social, political and economic structures that will build a society that lives out the values of gender equality and is free of SGBV in all forms.

The process

The Transforming Masculinities process works with both men and women through workshops or structured small group discussions, which draw on scriptural reflections on gender equality and positive masculinities. Themes include understanding SGBV and how it affects everyone, addressing unequal power and privilege, and discussing positive masculinities.