Efforts to reduce Child, early and forced marriage and unions (CEFMU) often overlook boys and men—not just the many ways in which their experiences and beliefs fuel CCEFMU, but also how they might contribute to efforts to advance gender equality.
AJWS supports research that explores how patriarchy and notions of masculinity impact boys in India, as well as how caste, religion and economic factors influence boys’ perception of themselves, girls and marriage. This research provides new insights that can be used to more effectively support men and boys to reject the harmful social norms that drive gender inequality.
AJWS supports research that explores:
- How masculine norms influence the experiences of boys in India and contribute to CEFMU and gender inequality
- Varied interventions for boys and men related to reducing CEFMU and possible new methods for working with boys and men to shift gender norms
- A broad range of perspectives about the position of men in society and related social expectations for how men should look and act