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In Cameroon, as well as in other countries in Africa and the Middle East, we have initiated projects to combat gender-based violence that also involve and raise awareness among men as agents of social change.

    Gender-based violence (GBV) is a human rights violation that includes physical, sexual, mental, or economic harm inflicted on a person because of socially ascribed power imbalances between males and females. In humanitarian contexts, GBV threats increase, with about 70% of women experiencing GBV. Domestic violence, rape, trafficking, early and forced marriage, sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation and abuse are some of the GBV cases most common in humanitarian emergencies. INTERSOS‘ interventions against GBV seek to reduce vulnerabilities, build protective and safe systems, and support the response and recovery of the survivor while minimising and mitigating the risks. But not only: there is also another side of GBV: as part of its mission to protect the most vulnerable communities, INTERSOS also intervenes engaging men as allies and agents of active change in the prevention and fight against GBV in their communities. Response to GBV, in fact, is not complete without prevention; changing community attitudes and perceptions of harmful gender norms and cultural practices is what brings out lasting change. INTERSOS in Cameroon has organised primary prevention activities aimed at encouraging the active participation of men in preventing and mitigating the risks to gender-based violence, of which women and girls are most often the survivors, promoting gender equality and responding to protection concerns. These initiatives have been implemented in 12 localities in the Logone et Chari department: Waza (Mada, Samké, Dor and Tchoukou), Goulfey (Djagalatte, Mara, Goulfey Gana, and Goulfey Centre), Logone Birni (Logone Birni Centre, Zimado, Ouloumssa and Darsala). Elisa Menegatti, Protection Advisor for West and Central Africa, states that “The essential structural and social changes needed for gender equality demand a shift in the attitudes and behaviours of society as a whole, from there the importance of engaging men. This curriculum developed by INTERSOS represents a small step towards bringing significant changes in men's attitudes and practices, an endeavour discouraged by negative cultural norms and notions of masculinity. Deconstructing negative perceptions of masculinity and involving men in accountable practices is crucial in the fight against GBV, but it is also a complex process that takes time. The curriculum itself unfolds over a couple of months of sessions, followed by the continuous engagement of men in their communities as positive actors in the renegotiation of gender norms. Nevertheless, it’s a step towards the eradication of GBV and we are beginning to observe the first positive outcomes. Cameroon is one of the missions, alongside Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad and Nigeria, where we are piloting this approach. The aim is to adapt it and disseminate it across the communities we serve." The aim of this INTERSOS curriculum is to encourage positive change within communities. 300 men were identified among community key informants, representatives of traditional courts, local religious and community leaders, representatives of state structures, and key members of local protection networks, committees and associations, to take part in weekly sessions and structured activities over an 8-week period, aimed at building skills in combating GBV and enhance a safe environment. At the end of the sessions, 12 groups of men will be officially created to act as “agents of change”, one for each location. These groups will raise awareness in their respective communities on the importance of adopting non-violent behaviour and prevent gender-based violence. The sessions are run by INTERSOS social workers, with the active participation of the community facilitators and focal points, under the supervision of the INTERSOS community-based protection officer. These 8 sessions take place in protective and culturally acceptable spaces, such as community centres, and other safe spaces within the community. These activities are being implemented as part of the "Support for resilience in communities in the Logone et Chari department affected by conflict and flooding" project, funded by the European Union's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Office.  

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