Better understanding of how experiences in war change men’s roles and identities can lead to better interventions to help men deal with the trauma of war violence, to combat gender-based violence, and equip men as agents of peace in their post-conflict communities. Based on their review of existing work to help men in post-conflict settings, five leading experts recommend a multipronged approach to expand programming and conduct rigorous evaluation to determine which programs are most effective.
Key findings:
- Men are usually perceived to be the primary perpetrators of violence in times of war. Research indicates, however, that men are not inherently violent. This shift in understanding is contributing to a recognition that men are also victims and witnesses of many forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence. In expanding our perceptions about men’s experiences, further studies indicate that this may help stop the cycle of violence. In this way, men can become critical agents of change to end these multiple forms of violence.
- Expanding knowledge of men’s diverse experiences during war and the underlying causes and mechanisms that lead to violent behaviour has important policy implications. Understanding the various paths to violence is particularly important when dealing with post-conflict situations.
- Post-conflict policies need to take account of these varied paths to violence and the notions of hyper-masculinity created by violent conflict. Policies also need to recognize that during conflict the roles of men and women often undergo radical change. Restoration to pre-conflict role models is often impossible. For example, in pre-conflict situations men derive much of their sense of identity from the fact that they are economic providers. In many post-conflict situations, the economy is in shambles and most men will not be able to get jobs. As a result, in many post-conflict settings, men and boys often experience a loss of identity leading to extreme emotional stress, substance abuse, and a continuous cycle of violent behaviour, including sexual and gender-based violence.
- Promising programs and interventions that focus on providing psychosocial support and developing healthier, nonviolent behaviours and male identities are providing lessons on how to address the challenges and obstacles to engaging men in sustainable peace and to prevent conflict and violence. Nevertheless, more research is needed on how men shape and are shaped by conflict, as well as men’s gender-specific needs, perspectives, and realities.
- Policy responses in post-conflict settings need to pay greater attention to the specific needs, perspectives, and realities of men and women. In this regard, policy advancements have recognized that women and girls are particularly vulnerable. This report also highlights the ways in which many men and boys are in need of programs and interventions that focus on providing psychosocial support and developing healthier, nonviolent behaviours and identities. Absent such programs, post-conflict societies will perpetuate gender inequalities and sexual and gender-based violence.
