Introduction
Achieving gender equality requires the active involvement of all genders—including men and boys. This training course is designed to equip development practitioners, educators, community leaders, and policymakers with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to engage men and boys as allies in advancing gender equality. Participants will explore the social norms and power structures that shape gender relations and learn practical strategies to promote positive masculinities, reduce gender-based violence, and foster inclusive development.
For close to three (3) decades now, gender equality advocates have increasingly urged humanitarian and development organisations to engage men and boys as a complement to empowering women and girls. This course introduces participants to principles, strategies, normative frameworks and policy approaches that have emerged from this work. Examining critical concepts such as masculinity, patriarchy and intersectionality, the course discusses why a holistic approach is central to achieving gender equality and explores the relationship between gender equality, sustainable development and human rights. Through case studies, it will also look at how practitioners can use these key concepts to transform gender relations and overcome gender inequalities faced by women and men.
The course incorporates evidence-based approaches and participatory methodologies, drawing on global frameworks such as the UN’s HeforShe campaign and the MenEngage Alliance. Through real-world case studies, group work, and reflective sessions, participants will develop action plans tailored to their contexts.
Students who successfully complete the course will receive Certificate of Participation.
Objective
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the role of men and boys in promoting gender equality
- Explain how gender norms and masculinities impact both women and men
- Analyze the social, cultural, and institutional factors that influence male engagement
- Recognize the benefits and challenges of engaging men and boys
- Identify common barriers and misconceptions
- Appreciate the positive impact of male allyship on families, communities, and institutions
- Apply gender-transformative strategies in program design and implementation
- Design activities that challenge harmful gender norms and promote positive masculinities
- Use participatory and inclusive approaches to mobilize men and boys
- Address gender-based violence and harmful practices effectively
- Develop initiatives that involve men and boys in the prevention of GBV
- Promote safe, respectful, and equitable relationships
- Strengthen monitoring, evaluation, and learning in gender equality programs
- Integrate gender-sensitive indicators and tools
- Develop strategies for measuring attitude and behavior change among male participants
- Develop context-specific action plans for engaging men and boys
- Create practical, culturally relevant interventions
- Identify partnerships and entry points for program sustainability
(The objective of this course is aligned with a various framework including UN Women, MenEngage, and SDG5.)
Duration
This certificate course takes 5 days.
Who should Attend
The course is intended for:
- Gender and Social Inclusion Officers
- Program Managers in NGOs, INGOs, and Government
- Community Development Practitioners
- Human Rights Activists and Advocates
- Teachers, Trainers, and Youth Leaders
- Policymakers and Local Government Officials
- Anyone interested in gender-transformative programming
Course Outline
Module 1: Understanding Gender Norms and Masculinities
- Overview of Gender Equality and Power Relations
- Social Construction of Masculinity and Femininity
- Impact of Patriarchy on Men, Women, and Society
- Intersectionality and Identity in Gender Work
Module 2: Why Engage Men and Boys?
- Global Movements and Evidence for Male Engagement
- Benefits of Inclusive Gender Programming
- Addressing Resistance and Myths
- Case Studies: What Works and What Doesn’t
Module 3: Strategies and Tools for Engagement
- Gender Transformative Approaches
- Working with Male Champions and Peer Educators
- Communication and Advocacy Strategies
- Role of Faith, Culture, and Media in Shaping Attitudes
Module 4: Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices
- Understanding Different Forms of GBV
- Men as Allies in Preventing GBV
- Challenging Harmful Norms and Practices (e.g., FGM, Child Marriage)
- Trauma-Informed and Survivor-Centered Approaches
Module 5: Designing and Evaluating Gender-Responsive Programs
- Gender Analysis and Program Design Tools
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning for Gender Programming
- Developing Action Plans and Community Mobilization Strategies
General Notes
- The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.
- The participants should be reasonably proficient in English as all facilitation and course materials will be offered in English.
- Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a certificate.
- The training will be held at Kincaid Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments and lunch.
- All participants will additionally cater for their, travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
- Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training coordinator at Email: training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org or Tel: +254 724592901
- This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our Kincaid Training Centre or at a convenient location.
For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254 724592901 or send mail to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org
Payments are due upon registration. Payment should be sent to our Bank account before commencement of training and proof of payment sent to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org