Factors Influencing Men’s Involvement in the Prevention of Violence against Women in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

Violence against Women (VAW) is global problem that has adverse effects on women"s health and wellbeing, undermining their overall quality of life. Historically, women globally have been known to fight VAW while men have been defined as part of the problem. Nonetheless, studies underscore a growing awareness and appreciation that men in partnership with women can play a significant role in ending Violence against Women (VAW). Consequently, within the last two decades, there has been a steady increase in programmes within organizations that involve men in the prevention of VAW both in Kenya and around the world. These programmes are men-led, women-led or initiated and spearheaded by both men and women working in partnership. In many societies globally, men are known to enjoy patriarchal dividends out of which stems VAW. However, some men have chosen to overlook these privileges in order to support efforts to end VAW notwithstanding the reprisals and backlash that comes with it. This study therefore sought to explore the factors that underpin men"s involvement in VAW prevention efforts within organizations in Nairobi City County of Kenya. Research findings indicated that the reasons for men"s involvement in VAW prevention were as diverse as the programmes that they were involved in. The study also noted that given a chance, men were capable of joining in and supporting efforts to prevent VAW. However, their involvement depended on whether the topics or conversations about VAW prevention resonated and connected with their emotions. Understanding these reasons was necessary for the effective involvement of men in VAW prevention programmes. The study recommends an all stakeholder synergy across the different ecological levels of society in order to leverage on the economies of scale and share best practices for engaging men. Keywords:Men"s involvement, Gender-based Violence, Violence against Women, Prevention.Globally, many men"s VAW prevention programmes are guided by the pro-feminist approach (Carlson, Casey, Edleson, Tolman, Neugut, and Kimball, 2013) informed by the principles of gender equality and social justice. The pro-feminist approach implies being critical of the negative aspects of men"s behaviour, constructions of masculinity and gender relations that harm women.