Engaging Men and Boys

Understanding Masculinities

Masculinities refer to the diverse set of behaviors, roles, and attributes associated with men, which are socially constructed and vary across cultures and time. The use of the plural "masculinities" acknowledges that there is no single, universal definition of masculinity, but rather multiple, sometimes conflicting, ways of being a man.

In patriarchy, certain forms of masculinity become dominant and normative—often called hegemonic masculinity. These forms are associated with power and control, upholding hierarchical divisions including class, caste, and gender. Deep down, many men are pressurized to follow these set social norms to behave like a “man,” forgetting their own wishes and dreams. This bottling up of emotions is often channelized through violent forms, including violence against women, lack of health-seeking behavior, and self-harm.

The Digital Dimension

In the digital age, the manifestations of masculinities are changing. Digital violence—including trolling, showcasing flashy lifestyles, deep fakes, and cyber fraud—is on the rise among young men. This impacts relationships, careers, and the physical and mental health of boys, reshaping how masculinity is performed in both online and offline worlds.

The Urgency: The Case for Engaging Men

The data underscores the urgency of this work. In India, men have a suicide rate approximately 2.5–2.6 times that of women. Research shows men are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors (substance abuse, speeding) and less likely to seek help for emotional struggles.

These figures indicate that while the gender equality agenda rightly focuses on women and girls, there is a strong imperative to engage men—not just as "the problem," but as part of the solution towards gender justice.

Our Approach: From Introspection to Movement

In 2017, Prayaas began working with married men to prevent intimate partner violence. We adopted a dual approach:

• Intrinsic Reflection: Facilitating community-level processes where men reflect on privileges and the pressures of dominant masculinity ("Why do I act this way?").
• Network Building: Creating a broader network to embed change at scale. This led to the formation of the Forum to Engage Men (FEM) in West Bengal.

Prayaas currently handles the Secretariat of FEM and is the Co-Convener of MenEngage India, the India chapter of the global MenEngage Alliance.

What We Do

Our work unfolds through multiple interconnected layers:

• Interactive Workshops: Creating safe spaces for boys to express themselves and practice non-violent communication.
• Promoting Healthy Masculinities: Challenging toxic stereotypes and encouraging active fatherhood and shared household roles.
• Linking Generations: Engaging School Management Committees, Panchayat leaders, and parents to ensure positive practices resonate from the family to the community level.
• Digital Campaigns: Using virtual media to share positive narratives and challenge stereotypes among broader audiences.

At Prayaas, we believe that lasting social change is only possible when men become part of the movement for gender justice—because gender equality is not a women’s issue; it is everyone’s responsibility.