Empowering the young: Transforming the communities, a case from Pakistan

Abstract

Gender based violence is an important social issue and males are generally considered perpetrators due to prevailing patriarchal norms globally. Most of the global rights movements focus women empowerment which is highly relevant important strategy. However, men engagement has a pivotal role not only in social, cultural, normative multiracial aspects of life but also in terms of gender equity and to end the gender base violence. There are also certain initiatives engaging men and young boys. Therefore, it is important to assess the effectiveness of interventions focused young boys and girls to make them aware on gender-based violence. The aim of this research is to assess the effectiveness of an intervention which focused young boys and girls for awareness on rights, protection issues and empowerment through capacity building on communication and leadership skills. Findings highlighted the involvement of locals, the members of the same communities, played a vital role in successful implementation of the project. The involvement of young boys and girls in their own cities gave fresh energy to the efforts of gender equality. The involvement of teachers and education department also supported the effectiveness of the activities carried out.

Keywords: Gender, Adolescence, Youth Engagement, Gender Based Violence, Men Engage, Community Mobilization